[QC Checks: Stan Soojung / quziel / poh]
[GP Checks: A Cake Wearing A Hat / TDP]
[OVERVIEW]
Slowbro is one of the best Pokemon in NU, capable of standing up to major threats in the tier like Passimian and Steelix as a result of its solid HP, physical bulk, and defensive typing, along with its ability Regenerator to provide it with additional recovery. Slowbro can serve as an offensive tank with Assault Vest due to its defensive presence in combination with its good Special Attack, decent special bulk, and wide movepool, separating itself from Slowking because of its superior physical bulk. Furthermore, because of Slowbro's previously mentioned defensive capabilities, its access to reliable recovery in Slack Off, Scald potentially allowing it to wear Pokemon down faster with burns, and Toxic crippling foes by putting them on timers, Slowbro also stands out as the tier's premier defensive pivot and as a staple on a variety of playstyles ranging from bulky offense to stall. However, Slowbro's typing and merely decent special bulk leave it vulnerable to Pokemon like Vanilluxe, Guzzlord, and Vikavolt, with even Assault Vest variants struggling to stomach their attacks. Defensive Slowbro is relatively passive, which can potentially generate setup turns for bulkier Pokemon like Scrafty, Malamar, and Type: Null, and it also leaves Slowbro susceptible to Taunt from Pokemon like Golbat and Comfey. Finally, Slowbro is also rather susceptible to Toxic, which can limit its ability to consistently check Pokemon like Passimian.
[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Scald
move 2: Future Sight / Psyshock
move 3: Fire Blast / Ice Beam
move 4: Grass Knot / Signal Beam
item: Assault Vest
ability: Regenerator
nature: Modest
evs: 212 HP / 252 SpA / 44 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is a reliable and decently powerful STAB move that possesses a 30% chance to burn foes. Future Sight is a secondary, stronger STAB move that gives Slowbro the ability to force switches. Psyshock can be used over Future Sight for a more reliable STAB attack, though it isn't as strong. Fire Blast is Slowbro's strongest coverage move for Grass-, Ice-, and bulky Steel-types like Whimsicott, Sceptile, Vanilluxe, Ferroseed, and Silvally-Steel. Ice Beam be used instead to nail Guzzlord and Druddigon while still threatening to hit most Grass-types super effectively. Grass Knot provides Slowbro with coverage for bulky Water-types like Blastoise, Slowking, and opposing Slowbro. Signal Beam is another option for this slot that allows Slowbro to threaten Malamar, Guzzlord, and opposing Slowbro while also hitting Grass-types. Flamethrower can be used over Fire Blast for its higher accuracy and PP, though it fails to OHKO Vanilluxe and Sceptile after Stealth Rock as well as Ferroseed from full. Zap Cannon can also be used to hit most bulky Water-types except Gastrodon harder than Grass Knot while also inflicting foes with paralysis, though the move's low accuracy and PP hinder its reliability.
Set Details
========
The investment in Special Attack in combination with a Modest nature maximizes Slowbro's damage output. 44 EVs in Speed allow Slowbro to outspeed Palossand, with the remaining EVs being poured into its HP to increase Slowbro's bulk. Assault Vest amplifies Slowbro's decent Special Defense, allowing it to take even strong special attacks from Pokemon like Diancie before KOing them in return. Regenerator makes up for Slowbro's lack of recovery by restoring a third of its HP as it switches out, allowing it to remain healthy and take stronger attacks throughout the match.
Usage Tips
========
Despite the lack of Defense investment, Slowbro is still capable of switching into certain physical attackers like Steelix and Piloswine due to its naturally high bulk. Scald is a safe move to spam early-game, as it lacks drawbacks, has a decent chance to burn the opposing Pokemon, and prevents the opponent from suspecting Slowbro's set. Future Sight should be used as Slowbro forces Pokemon like Diancie out, since this can apply pressure to the opposing team and force multiple switches, which Slowbro can take advantage of by using the appropriate coverage move. Refrain from making Slowbro's set obvious until need be, as this will give Slowbro an easier time luring in and either KOing or heavily damaging Pokemon like Whimsicott, Sceptile, Ferroseed, and Guzzlord, which can potentially open the door for Slowbro's teammates to break through the opposing team. When Slowbro anticipates Pokemon like Ferroseed and opposing Slowbro to switch in, it should use the appropriate coverage move to deal with them, as doing so will immediately place these Pokemon at a disadvantage. Slowbro should avoid Knock Off, as the lack of Defense investment and Colbur Berry means that Slowbro will take a lot of damage from the move, and losing its Assault Vest prevents it from reliably taking special attacks from Pokemon like Choice Specs Diancie. Slowbro should also be wary of Toxic, since it lacks recovery and being badly poisoned will force it to switch out more often than it would like. Switch Slowbro out once it begins to take noticeable damage so that it can regain HP and reliably switch into attacks throughout the match.
Team Options
========
Assault Vest Slowbro is capable of fitting on more offensive teams as a special tank that can pressure common defensive cores, though it also fits well on bulky offensive and balance teams. Steelix makes for a good partner, since its typing gives it an immunity to Toxic and the ability to reliably switch into Electric-, Bug-, and stronger Normal-type attacks that Slowbro is vulnerable to. Steelix is also capable of setting Stealth Rock, which guarantees certain 2HKOs such as on Gastrodon and opposing Slowbro with Grass Knot. In return, Slowbro is capable of taking on Pokemon that threaten Steelix like Magmortar and Diancie as well as pressuring opposing Water-types. Teammates like Klinklang, Calm Mind Comfey, and Choice Specs Diancie appreciate having Slowbro lure in and heavily damage staples on balance teams such as Vileplume and Silvally-Steel. Slowbro should not be used as a team's only Fighting check due to its vulnerability to coverage moves like Knock Off and Thunder Punch, meaning that it should be paired with Pokemon such as Golbat and Palossand. Pokemon such as Diancie, Scrafty, and Passimian are capable of checking Dark-types like Incineroar and Sneasel for Slowbro and appreciate it heavily damaging or removing bulky Steel- and Poison-types like Ferroseed and Garbodor in return.
[SET]
name: Defensive Pivot
move 1: Scald
move 2: Psyshock
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Slack Off
item: Colbur Berry
ability: Regenerator
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is a reliable and spammable STAB move that also possesses a decent chance to burn foes. Psyshock is Slowbro's secondary STAB move, threatening to hit physically frail foes like Heliolisk and Sceptile as well as Fighting- and Poison-types like Passimian, Hariyama, and Garbodor relatively hard. Toxic puts Slowbro's switch-ins like Blastoise, Miltank, and opposing Slowbro on a timer, which gives Slowbro and its teammates an easier time with wearing them down. Slack Off gives Slowbro a reliable form of recovery that prevents it from being overly reliant on Regenerator and makes wearing it down more difficult. Slowbro can potentially make use of a couple of coverage moves in place of Psyshock such as Fire Blast, Signal Beam, and Ice Beam to lure Pokemon like Ferroseed, Malamar, and Altaria and take them out, though opting for any of them leaves Slowbro unable to hit Pokemon like Toxicroak and Heliolisk for meaningful damage.
Set Details
========
The investment in HP and Defense in conjunction with a Bold nature maximizes Slowbro's physical bulk, allowing it to check physical threats like Toxicroak and Rhydon to the best of its ability. Colbur Berry reduces the damage taken from a Dark-type attack, which gives Slowbro an easier time taking on Pokemon like Sneasel as well as foes with Dark-type coverage like Hariyama and Passimian. Regenerator recovers 33% of Slowbro's HP when it switches out, providing it with a secondary form of recovery in case it cannot safely use Slack Off.
Usage Tips
========
Slowbro should take advantage of its high physical bulk by switching into physical attackers like Steelix, Sandslash, and Hitmonlee and forcing them to switch throughout the game. Due to its reliability, chance to burn foes, and lack of drawbacks, Scald is a relatively safe move to spam; however, if the opponent has a Water-immune Pokemon like Heliolisk or Vaporeon, Slowbro should instead use Psyshock or Toxic, respectively. Slowbro should also be wary of using Scald against certain defensive Pokemon like opposing Slowbro and Slowking, since it would rather badly poison these Pokemon than burn them. Be mindful of the amount of HP that Slowbro has left. Though it doesn't always need to use Slack Off due to Regenerator, Slowbro should aim to do so when it doesn't have very much HP left in order to maximize its recovery. Slowbro can mainly use Slack Off against Pokemon like Steelix and Diancie as they switch out. Try to avoid Toxic from Pokemon like Altaria and opposing Slowbro, as being badly poisoned forces Slowbro to use Slack Off and switch out more often than it would like to. Slowbro should also avoid Taunt from Pokemon like Golbat and Mismagius, since being Taunted prevents Slowbro from supporting both itself and its team.
Team Options
========
Slowbro fits well on a multitude of playstyles such as bulky offense, balance, and stall due to its defensive capabilities allowing it to provide these teams with a solid defensive pivot and backbone. Steelix pairs exceptionally well with Slowbro, as its typing gives it an immunity to Toxic as well as the ability to take Electric-, Bug-, and Fairy-type attacks from Pokemon like Vikavolt and Whimsicott; its high bulk gives it the ability to reliably check Sneasel; and it is also capable of setting Stealth Rock to further wear down Slowbro's switch-ins. Steelix also checks even + 2 Toxicroak as long as Sturdy is intact. In return, Slowbro can take on Fighting-, Ground-, and certain Fire-types like Passimian, Rhydon, opposing Steelix, and Delphox. Mega Audino is another good partner due to its access to Heal Bell mitigating Slowbro's vulnerability to Toxic and its good defensive typing and high special bulk allowing it to check threatening special attackers such as Vanilluxe and Guzzlord, while Slowbro switches into Fighting-, Steel-, and Poison-types for Mega Audino. Since Audino possesses Regenerator prior to Mega Evolving, the two also form a Regenerator core. In a similar vein, Slowbro appreciates being paired with other specially bulky Pokemon such as Diancie, Silvally-Steel, and Gigalith that can handle other special wallbreakers like Vikavolt, Heliolisk, and Haunter. Slowbro also benefits from Sneasel's ability to pressure wallbreakers like Heliolisk and Guzzlord, remove Ghost- and Psychic-types like Mismagius and Sigilyph with Pursuit, and cripple opposing defensive Pokemon by removing their items with Knock Off, and it is capable of making up for a lot of Sneasel's weaknesses in return. Fighting-types like Passimian, Toxicroak, and Medicham can remove bulky Steel-types like Ferroseed and Silvally-Steel and offensively check Dark-types like Incineroar for Slowbro, and they appreciate having it to fall back on against Golbat and Garbodor.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Calm Mind can be used to turn Slowbro into a bulky setup sweeper, though its vulnerability to Toxic and stronger special attackers even after boosting its Special Defense can prevent it from reliably sweeping late-game. Slowbro can also pull off a Calm Mind + Block + Rest set with Waterium Z on stall and semi-stall teams, with Block allowing it to remove opposing bulky Pokemon. Defensive variants of Slowbro running Signal Beam can run Buginium Z to hit Guzzlord, Malamar, certain Grass-types, and opposing Slowbro harder. Magic Coat can be used to reflect status moves like Taunt, Toxic, and Stealth Rock from Pokemon like Golbat, opposing Slowbro, and Steelix, but Slowbro has issues with dropping a move for it. Thunder Wave cripples faster Pokemon like Mismagius and provides teams with a form of keeping faster foes in check, though Slowbro has trouble dropping a move for this as well. Leftovers can be held to provide Slowbro with a form of passive recovery that lessens the need to use Slack Off and switch out, though this leaves it more vulnerable to Knock Off.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dark-types**: Incineroar can OHKO even defensive Slowbro with +2 Malicious Moonsault and heavily threatens Assault Vest variants with Knock Off. Similarly, Sneasel threatens to heavily damage Slowbro with Knock Off as well as trap weakened Assault Vest Slowbro with Pursuit, though it doesn't appreciate switching into Scald. Choice Specs Guzzlord can 2HKO Slowbro with Dark Pulse regardless of the set and even resists both of Slowbro's STAB types.
**Strong Special Attackers**: Special attackers like Vanilluxe, Heliolisk, Rotom, Sceptile, and Accelgor can overwhelm defensive Slowbro with their powerful attacks, with even Assault Vest variants taking a lot of damage from them. Heliolisk can even freely pivot into Scald because of Dry Skin.
**Toxic**: Being badly poisoned by Toxic forces Slowbro to use Slack Off and switch out more often than it would like to, with the increasing amount of damage potentially preventing it from reliably switching into Pokemon it's supposed to check.
**Super Effective Coverage**: Certain physical attackers that Slowbro normally checks like Klinklang, Samurott, and Gallade are capable of luring it in and heavily damaging it with Gigavolt Havoc and Savage Spin-Out.
**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Whimsicott, Sceptile, Vileplume, and Tangela can easily switch into Slowbro and force it out with their respective STAB moves. They need to be wary of Fire Blast or Ice Beam from Assault Vest Slowbro, however.
**Bulky Setup Sweepers**: Due to Slowbro's passivity, certain bulky setup sweepers like Type: Null, Aromatisse, RestTalk Malamar, and Bulk Up Scrafty can switch into it with ease, set up on it, and overwhelm it.
**Bulky Water-types**: Bulky Water-types like Slowking, Vaporeon, Jellicent, and Gastrodon can easily switch into defensive variants of Slowbro, with the latter two threatening to badly poison it with Toxic. Vaporeon can even heal itself of status conditions with Heal Bell. However, Assault Vest Slowbro can potentially 2HKO the latter with Grass Knot.
[GP Checks: A Cake Wearing A Hat / TDP]
[OVERVIEW]
Slowbro is one of the best Pokemon in NU, capable of standing up to major threats in the tier like Passimian and Steelix as a result of its solid HP, physical bulk, and defensive typing, along with its ability Regenerator to provide it with additional recovery. Slowbro can serve as an offensive tank with Assault Vest due to its defensive presence in combination with its good Special Attack, decent special bulk, and wide movepool, separating itself from Slowking because of its superior physical bulk. Furthermore, because of Slowbro's previously mentioned defensive capabilities, its access to reliable recovery in Slack Off, Scald potentially allowing it to wear Pokemon down faster with burns, and Toxic crippling foes by putting them on timers, Slowbro also stands out as the tier's premier defensive pivot and as a staple on a variety of playstyles ranging from bulky offense to stall. However, Slowbro's typing and merely decent special bulk leave it vulnerable to Pokemon like Vanilluxe, Guzzlord, and Vikavolt, with even Assault Vest variants struggling to stomach their attacks. Defensive Slowbro is relatively passive, which can potentially generate setup turns for bulkier Pokemon like Scrafty, Malamar, and Type: Null, and it also leaves Slowbro susceptible to Taunt from Pokemon like Golbat and Comfey. Finally, Slowbro is also rather susceptible to Toxic, which can limit its ability to consistently check Pokemon like Passimian.
[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Scald
move 2: Future Sight / Psyshock
move 3: Fire Blast / Ice Beam
move 4: Grass Knot / Signal Beam
item: Assault Vest
ability: Regenerator
nature: Modest
evs: 212 HP / 252 SpA / 44 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is a reliable and decently powerful STAB move that possesses a 30% chance to burn foes. Future Sight is a secondary, stronger STAB move that gives Slowbro the ability to force switches. Psyshock can be used over Future Sight for a more reliable STAB attack, though it isn't as strong. Fire Blast is Slowbro's strongest coverage move for Grass-, Ice-, and bulky Steel-types like Whimsicott, Sceptile, Vanilluxe, Ferroseed, and Silvally-Steel. Ice Beam be used instead to nail Guzzlord and Druddigon while still threatening to hit most Grass-types super effectively. Grass Knot provides Slowbro with coverage for bulky Water-types like Blastoise, Slowking, and opposing Slowbro. Signal Beam is another option for this slot that allows Slowbro to threaten Malamar, Guzzlord, and opposing Slowbro while also hitting Grass-types. Flamethrower can be used over Fire Blast for its higher accuracy and PP, though it fails to OHKO Vanilluxe and Sceptile after Stealth Rock as well as Ferroseed from full. Zap Cannon can also be used to hit most bulky Water-types except Gastrodon harder than Grass Knot while also inflicting foes with paralysis, though the move's low accuracy and PP hinder its reliability.
Set Details
========
The investment in Special Attack in combination with a Modest nature maximizes Slowbro's damage output. 44 EVs in Speed allow Slowbro to outspeed Palossand, with the remaining EVs being poured into its HP to increase Slowbro's bulk. Assault Vest amplifies Slowbro's decent Special Defense, allowing it to take even strong special attacks from Pokemon like Diancie before KOing them in return. Regenerator makes up for Slowbro's lack of recovery by restoring a third of its HP as it switches out, allowing it to remain healthy and take stronger attacks throughout the match.
Usage Tips
========
Despite the lack of Defense investment, Slowbro is still capable of switching into certain physical attackers like Steelix and Piloswine due to its naturally high bulk. Scald is a safe move to spam early-game, as it lacks drawbacks, has a decent chance to burn the opposing Pokemon, and prevents the opponent from suspecting Slowbro's set. Future Sight should be used as Slowbro forces Pokemon like Diancie out, since this can apply pressure to the opposing team and force multiple switches, which Slowbro can take advantage of by using the appropriate coverage move. Refrain from making Slowbro's set obvious until need be, as this will give Slowbro an easier time luring in and either KOing or heavily damaging Pokemon like Whimsicott, Sceptile, Ferroseed, and Guzzlord, which can potentially open the door for Slowbro's teammates to break through the opposing team. When Slowbro anticipates Pokemon like Ferroseed and opposing Slowbro to switch in, it should use the appropriate coverage move to deal with them, as doing so will immediately place these Pokemon at a disadvantage. Slowbro should avoid Knock Off, as the lack of Defense investment and Colbur Berry means that Slowbro will take a lot of damage from the move, and losing its Assault Vest prevents it from reliably taking special attacks from Pokemon like Choice Specs Diancie. Slowbro should also be wary of Toxic, since it lacks recovery and being badly poisoned will force it to switch out more often than it would like. Switch Slowbro out once it begins to take noticeable damage so that it can regain HP and reliably switch into attacks throughout the match.
Team Options
========
Assault Vest Slowbro is capable of fitting on more offensive teams as a special tank that can pressure common defensive cores, though it also fits well on bulky offensive and balance teams. Steelix makes for a good partner, since its typing gives it an immunity to Toxic and the ability to reliably switch into Electric-, Bug-, and stronger Normal-type attacks that Slowbro is vulnerable to. Steelix is also capable of setting Stealth Rock, which guarantees certain 2HKOs such as on Gastrodon and opposing Slowbro with Grass Knot. In return, Slowbro is capable of taking on Pokemon that threaten Steelix like Magmortar and Diancie as well as pressuring opposing Water-types. Teammates like Klinklang, Calm Mind Comfey, and Choice Specs Diancie appreciate having Slowbro lure in and heavily damage staples on balance teams such as Vileplume and Silvally-Steel. Slowbro should not be used as a team's only Fighting check due to its vulnerability to coverage moves like Knock Off and Thunder Punch, meaning that it should be paired with Pokemon such as Golbat and Palossand. Pokemon such as Diancie, Scrafty, and Passimian are capable of checking Dark-types like Incineroar and Sneasel for Slowbro and appreciate it heavily damaging or removing bulky Steel- and Poison-types like Ferroseed and Garbodor in return.
[SET]
name: Defensive Pivot
move 1: Scald
move 2: Psyshock
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Slack Off
item: Colbur Berry
ability: Regenerator
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is a reliable and spammable STAB move that also possesses a decent chance to burn foes. Psyshock is Slowbro's secondary STAB move, threatening to hit physically frail foes like Heliolisk and Sceptile as well as Fighting- and Poison-types like Passimian, Hariyama, and Garbodor relatively hard. Toxic puts Slowbro's switch-ins like Blastoise, Miltank, and opposing Slowbro on a timer, which gives Slowbro and its teammates an easier time with wearing them down. Slack Off gives Slowbro a reliable form of recovery that prevents it from being overly reliant on Regenerator and makes wearing it down more difficult. Slowbro can potentially make use of a couple of coverage moves in place of Psyshock such as Fire Blast, Signal Beam, and Ice Beam to lure Pokemon like Ferroseed, Malamar, and Altaria and take them out, though opting for any of them leaves Slowbro unable to hit Pokemon like Toxicroak and Heliolisk for meaningful damage.
Set Details
========
The investment in HP and Defense in conjunction with a Bold nature maximizes Slowbro's physical bulk, allowing it to check physical threats like Toxicroak and Rhydon to the best of its ability. Colbur Berry reduces the damage taken from a Dark-type attack, which gives Slowbro an easier time taking on Pokemon like Sneasel as well as foes with Dark-type coverage like Hariyama and Passimian. Regenerator recovers 33% of Slowbro's HP when it switches out, providing it with a secondary form of recovery in case it cannot safely use Slack Off.
Usage Tips
========
Slowbro should take advantage of its high physical bulk by switching into physical attackers like Steelix, Sandslash, and Hitmonlee and forcing them to switch throughout the game. Due to its reliability, chance to burn foes, and lack of drawbacks, Scald is a relatively safe move to spam; however, if the opponent has a Water-immune Pokemon like Heliolisk or Vaporeon, Slowbro should instead use Psyshock or Toxic, respectively. Slowbro should also be wary of using Scald against certain defensive Pokemon like opposing Slowbro and Slowking, since it would rather badly poison these Pokemon than burn them. Be mindful of the amount of HP that Slowbro has left. Though it doesn't always need to use Slack Off due to Regenerator, Slowbro should aim to do so when it doesn't have very much HP left in order to maximize its recovery. Slowbro can mainly use Slack Off against Pokemon like Steelix and Diancie as they switch out. Try to avoid Toxic from Pokemon like Altaria and opposing Slowbro, as being badly poisoned forces Slowbro to use Slack Off and switch out more often than it would like to. Slowbro should also avoid Taunt from Pokemon like Golbat and Mismagius, since being Taunted prevents Slowbro from supporting both itself and its team.
Team Options
========
Slowbro fits well on a multitude of playstyles such as bulky offense, balance, and stall due to its defensive capabilities allowing it to provide these teams with a solid defensive pivot and backbone. Steelix pairs exceptionally well with Slowbro, as its typing gives it an immunity to Toxic as well as the ability to take Electric-, Bug-, and Fairy-type attacks from Pokemon like Vikavolt and Whimsicott; its high bulk gives it the ability to reliably check Sneasel; and it is also capable of setting Stealth Rock to further wear down Slowbro's switch-ins. Steelix also checks even + 2 Toxicroak as long as Sturdy is intact. In return, Slowbro can take on Fighting-, Ground-, and certain Fire-types like Passimian, Rhydon, opposing Steelix, and Delphox. Mega Audino is another good partner due to its access to Heal Bell mitigating Slowbro's vulnerability to Toxic and its good defensive typing and high special bulk allowing it to check threatening special attackers such as Vanilluxe and Guzzlord, while Slowbro switches into Fighting-, Steel-, and Poison-types for Mega Audino. Since Audino possesses Regenerator prior to Mega Evolving, the two also form a Regenerator core. In a similar vein, Slowbro appreciates being paired with other specially bulky Pokemon such as Diancie, Silvally-Steel, and Gigalith that can handle other special wallbreakers like Vikavolt, Heliolisk, and Haunter. Slowbro also benefits from Sneasel's ability to pressure wallbreakers like Heliolisk and Guzzlord, remove Ghost- and Psychic-types like Mismagius and Sigilyph with Pursuit, and cripple opposing defensive Pokemon by removing their items with Knock Off, and it is capable of making up for a lot of Sneasel's weaknesses in return. Fighting-types like Passimian, Toxicroak, and Medicham can remove bulky Steel-types like Ferroseed and Silvally-Steel and offensively check Dark-types like Incineroar for Slowbro, and they appreciate having it to fall back on against Golbat and Garbodor.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Calm Mind can be used to turn Slowbro into a bulky setup sweeper, though its vulnerability to Toxic and stronger special attackers even after boosting its Special Defense can prevent it from reliably sweeping late-game. Slowbro can also pull off a Calm Mind + Block + Rest set with Waterium Z on stall and semi-stall teams, with Block allowing it to remove opposing bulky Pokemon. Defensive variants of Slowbro running Signal Beam can run Buginium Z to hit Guzzlord, Malamar, certain Grass-types, and opposing Slowbro harder. Magic Coat can be used to reflect status moves like Taunt, Toxic, and Stealth Rock from Pokemon like Golbat, opposing Slowbro, and Steelix, but Slowbro has issues with dropping a move for it. Thunder Wave cripples faster Pokemon like Mismagius and provides teams with a form of keeping faster foes in check, though Slowbro has trouble dropping a move for this as well. Leftovers can be held to provide Slowbro with a form of passive recovery that lessens the need to use Slack Off and switch out, though this leaves it more vulnerable to Knock Off.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dark-types**: Incineroar can OHKO even defensive Slowbro with +2 Malicious Moonsault and heavily threatens Assault Vest variants with Knock Off. Similarly, Sneasel threatens to heavily damage Slowbro with Knock Off as well as trap weakened Assault Vest Slowbro with Pursuit, though it doesn't appreciate switching into Scald. Choice Specs Guzzlord can 2HKO Slowbro with Dark Pulse regardless of the set and even resists both of Slowbro's STAB types.
**Strong Special Attackers**: Special attackers like Vanilluxe, Heliolisk, Rotom, Sceptile, and Accelgor can overwhelm defensive Slowbro with their powerful attacks, with even Assault Vest variants taking a lot of damage from them. Heliolisk can even freely pivot into Scald because of Dry Skin.
**Toxic**: Being badly poisoned by Toxic forces Slowbro to use Slack Off and switch out more often than it would like to, with the increasing amount of damage potentially preventing it from reliably switching into Pokemon it's supposed to check.
**Super Effective Coverage**: Certain physical attackers that Slowbro normally checks like Klinklang, Samurott, and Gallade are capable of luring it in and heavily damaging it with Gigavolt Havoc and Savage Spin-Out.
**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Whimsicott, Sceptile, Vileplume, and Tangela can easily switch into Slowbro and force it out with their respective STAB moves. They need to be wary of Fire Blast or Ice Beam from Assault Vest Slowbro, however.
**Bulky Setup Sweepers**: Due to Slowbro's passivity, certain bulky setup sweepers like Type: Null, Aromatisse, RestTalk Malamar, and Bulk Up Scrafty can switch into it with ease, set up on it, and overwhelm it.
**Bulky Water-types**: Bulky Water-types like Slowking, Vaporeon, Jellicent, and Gastrodon can easily switch into defensive variants of Slowbro, with the latter two threatening to badly poison it with Toxic. Vaporeon can even heal itself of status conditions with Heal Bell. However, Assault Vest Slowbro can potentially 2HKO the latter with Grass Knot.
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