OU Slowking



something something pants

[OVERVIEW]


* Slowking checks Tapu Lele and Keldeo, two prominent threats in the metagame, as well as checking Mega Metagross if it doesn't have Thunder Punch.
* An amazing ability in Regenerator, which allows Slowking to recover health when switching, lets it to more easily outlast what it's supposed to check.
* Water / Psychic typing gives it many resistances that are important in the metagame, namely to Steel, Psychic, Water, and Fire.
* Slowking faces competition from Slowbro and Mega Slowbro, but its greater special bulk allows it to take on Tapu Lele, as well as strong Water-type special attackers like Kingdra in rain and Manaphy.
* It is weak to common Electric-type and Dark-type attacks, as well as U-turn. Grass-type attacks from the likes of Tapu Bulu and Mega Venusaur are also threatening.
* It can be Pursuit trapped by Pokemon such as Weavile and Tyranitar.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Slack Off
move 3: Scald
move 4: Psyshock
item: Leftovers
ability: Regenerator
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 188 Def / 68 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Calm Mind allows Slowking to beat many special attackers, even threats like Tapu Lele and Volcarona without Bug Buzz.
* Slack Off allows Slowking to recover health.
* Scald is a go-to option for any defensive Water-type due to its chance to burn.
* Psyshock is its Psychic-type STAB move and is preferred over Psychic because it ignores the Special Defense boosts of foes like Volcarona and Calm Mind Tapu Lele. It also allows Slowking to deal with Chansey better after some Calm Mind boosts.


Set Details
========

* 252 HP EVs maximize overall bulk.
* 188 Defense EVs allow Slowking to take a Meteor Mash and then a Thunder Punch all of the time from full health and most of the time if switching in to Stealth Rock. This physical bulk also helps Slowking take hits it's expected to take, like Keldeo's Secret Sword and Tapu Lele's Psyshock, and lts it to survive Landorus-T's Supersonic Skystrike at full health.
* 68 Special Defese EVs combined with a Calm nature allow Slowking to avoid a 4HKO from Tapu Lele's Moonblast. It also helps Slowking take on special attackers like Volcarona, Kingdra, Heatran, Magearna, and Manaphy.
* Regenerator heals Slowking for 1/3 of its HP when it switches out, making it difficult to wear down.
* Leftovers is the preferred item, giving it a small amount of HP back each turn.

Usage Tips
========

* Switch Slowking into threats it can check, like Mega Metagross, Tapu Lele, Volcarona, Keldeo, and more.
* Be cautious of coverage moves that allow some of the aforementioned Pokemon to beat Slowking, such as Thunder Punch on Mega Metagross, Bug Buzz on Volcarona, and Bloom Doom on Heatran. Regenerator helps in scouting a foe's set.
* Keep Slowking healthy enough to check these threats by using Slack Off and switching in order to trigger Regenerator.
* When Slowking is in front of something that can't significantly damage it, the safest moves to use are Calm Mind and Scald, if Slowking doesn't need to heal up.
* Calm Mind can be used if no remaining Pokemon on the opponent's team threaten Slowking. It should also be used to combat Calm Mind Tapu Lele, which Slowking can usually beat due to Tapu Lele's lack of recovery.


Team Options
========

* Slowking should be paired with teammates that can cover its weaknesses.
* Grass-types like Ferrothorn, Amoonguss, and Mega Venusaur pair well with it, since Slowking can take on their Fire weaknesses, Ferrothorn's Fighting weakness, and Mega Venusaur's and Amoonguss's Psychic weakness. In return, they can take Electric and Grass attacks for Slowking. Tapu Bulu also pairs well with it, as it can take Electric-, Grass-, and Dark-type attacks; Slowking can switch in to Fire- and Steel-type attacks for Tapu Bulu. Slowking also benefits from the passive recovery that Grassy Terrain provides.
* With its weakness to Dark-types, Slowking pairs well with Fairy- and Fighting-types. Buzzwole is a good partner, as it is able to switch into physical Bug-, Dark-, and Grass-type attacks, whereas Slowking covers Buzzwole's Psychic and Fire weaknesses. Fairy-types like Clefable, Tapu Bulu, and Magearna are all good partners due to their ability to take Dark-type attacks.
* Hazard removal is important because if Stealth Rock and any number of layers of Spikes are on the field, it will be more difficult for Slowking to comfortably switch in to threats. Zapdos, Skarmory, and Excadrill are three sources of hazard removal that pair fairly well with Slowking.
* Teammates with Heal Bell or Aromatherapy are helpful, as Slowking's defensive ability is hampered by Toxic and burns. Clefable, Chansey, and Celebi are Pokemon that can use these moves.


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

* Yawn can potentially put an opposing Pokemon to sleep and acts as a phazing option.
* Fire Blast allows Slowking to pose a larger threat to Mega Metagross, as well as roast Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor if they feel safe staying in on Slowking.
* Toxic is useful for spreading poison.
* Thunder Wave is useful for speed control. Slowking is unlikely to outspeed any Pokemon, even if they're paralyzed, and Thunder Wave is only 90% accurate, but a successful paralysis can still allow Slowking's teammates to more reliably handle the foe.
* Dragon Tail can phaze Pokemon, dealing okay chip damage combined with hazards, but Fairy-types are immune to it.
* Power Gem is capable of OHKOing Mega Charizard Y, allowing Slowking to check it more reliably.
* Slowking can run an offensive Trick Room set, with three attacks or Nasty Plot and two attacks.

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

**Dark-types**: While they risk getting burned by Scald, Dark-types like Weavile, Tyranitar, and Hoopa-U can come in on Slowking and threaten major damage with their super effective Dark-type STAB moves. The former two can also Pursuit Slowking as it switches out, potentially removing it from the match; Pursuit is especially common on Tyranitar. Ash-Greninja can come in on Slowking with minimal risk and starting firing off powerful Choice Specs-boosted Dark Pulses, but it is crippled by Thunder Wave. Protean Greninja is also able to switch in to Slowking fairly easily, but it doesn't threaten it back without Dark Pulse. Alolan Muk is a solid check that doesn't fear anything except a Scald burn, does respectable damage with STAB Pursuit or Knock Off, and even threatens to poison Slowking.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Mega Venusaur, Tapu Bulu, and Tangrowth can switch in to Slowking, though Mega Venusaur is dented by Psyshock and Tapu Bulu doesn't appreciate burns. Tangrowth, however, risks losing to a boosted Slowking if it does not carry Sleep Powder, in other words if it not running its Assault Vest set. Serperior is a niche pick in OU, but it can effortlessly win a boosting war against Slowking with its Contrary Leaf Storms. Kartana threatens an OHKO after Stealth Rock with Leaf Blade and can switch in on any common move except for Scald.

**Electric-types**: Tapu Koko, Choice Specs Magnezone, Thundurus, and Zapdos all threaten major damage on Slowking with their Electric-type STAB moves.

**Water-types**: Certain Water-types like Tapu Fini and Mega Gyarados take little damage from Slowking's attacks. Tapu Fini doesn't do much damage in return with either of its STAB attacks, but it does force Slowking out with Taunt and Nature's Madness. Mega Gyarados threatens a powerful Crunch or can set up with Dragon Dance; if Mega Gyarados runs Substitute, it also nullifies anything Slowking can do to it.

**Mega Scizor**: Mega Scizor doesn't fear anything except a Scald burn or the rare Fire Blast, and it does significant damage with U-turn and is also capable of Pursuit trapping Slowking.

**Status**: Toxic wears Slowking down and limits its ability to check Pokemon. Burn and poison also hamper is bulk, but not to as large an extent.
 
Last edited:

mulgokizary

Banned deucer.
Hi, how are you doing?

I don't really find Slowking's CM set to be outclassed by Bro or Mega Bro. Both Pokemon's CM sets make them fantastic secondary win conditions in addition to the gluing power they give your team. You just need to pick which one out of Slowbro and Slowking provide more valuable defensive synergy to your team and they can both run this set. I think it's more viable than Dragon Tail and T-Wave.

+3 252 SpA Manaphy Scald vs. 252 HP / 68+ SpD Slowking: 107-126 (27.1 - 31.9%) -- 51.6% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+6 252 SpA Manaphy Scald vs. +1 252 HP / 68+ SpD Slowking: 114-135 (28.9 - 34.2%) -- 99.6% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery


You don't need to phase Suicune; CM + Psyshock outscale and kill it. You don't need to phase Manaphy; without Energy Ball it's hard-walled by Slowking anyways, and if it has EBall you won't be able to DTail it without losing Slowking. You really shouldn't be using Slowking as your sole check to Manaphy because Energy Ball tears it up, so you can partner it with something that kills it like Serperior or Scarf Bulu, which help you complete a FWG core.

You can't phase out Volcarona either:

+1 252 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 252 HP / 68+ SpD Slowking: 356-422 (90.3 - 107.1%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO

I can't think of anything else to phase.

On T-Wave, the nerf has made it a very unreliable way of checking things. You will never outspeed anything after T-Waving it due to the reduction nerf and it's only 90% accurate now which means you're taking an unnecessary risk for something that doesn't pay out immediately. Also, CM Lele isn't particularly fast so there isn't any reason to T-Wave it for another team member to revenge. It only reaches 317 speed.

+1 252 SpA Tapu Lele Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 68+ SpD Slowking: 206-244 (52.2 - 61.9%) -- 98.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 SpA Tapu Lele Shadow Ball vs. +1 252 HP / 68+ SpD Slowking: 138-164 (35 - 41.6%) -- 78.9% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery


With Leftovers you can live Shadow Ball from +1, CM, and then recover:

+2 252 SpA Tapu Lele Shadow Ball vs. +1 252 HP / 68+ SpD Slowking: 184-218 (46.7 - 55.3%) -- 14.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

With each sequence of CM, Shadow Ball loses damage on Slowking, so Slowking will inevitably outscale without a critical hit.

+6 0 SpA Slowking Psyshock vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tapu Lele: 218-257 (77.5 - 91.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+6 252 SpA Tapu Lele Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 188 Def Slowking: 254-299 (64.4 - 75.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery


These obviously don't take Psychic Terrain into account because it's impossible to get +6 while it's up. With Terrain up nothing but a +6 Shock can OHKO Slowking.
You have recovery and will outscale opposing CM Tapu Lele, so CM is by far the better option for checking this Pokemon.

Hopefully, I've convinced you that CM usually the right call for the fourth move on this thing.

Thanks for reading.
 

ckw

Tired
is a Top Tutor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Hi there,
Had a few suggestions to make,
* Not a passive threat with 100 base special attack.
I believe this information is somewhat unnecessary and should be removed. I can simply open my Teambuilder and find that out.
* A Calm Mind set can be ran, but faces heavy competition from Slowbro and Mega Slowbro, whose greater physical bulk make their Calm Mind sets more effective.
In my opinion, Calm Mind Slowking deserves a set mention of its own since it has decent bulk to run such a set.
Finally, I would have Fire Blast as the first mention in OO as it can catch Pokemon such as Ferrothorn off guard.
 

Colonel M

I COULD BE BORED!
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
The set needs to be switched to Calm Mind much like mulgokizary stated above. Calm Mind Slowking works kind of similar to Slowbro with the difference of capitalizing its Special Defense to set up on special threats better. Thinking of Pokemon like Scarf Tapu Lele among others helps it out a lot.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Slack Off
move 3: Scald
move 4: Psyshock

I'll try looking around for some benchmarks to live through if you need to (Modest shouldn't be used on Lele).
 
Switched the set to Calm Mind. Up to qc if defensive warrants a set.

I like more SDef on it just to handle lele better but 252 / 156 is needed to handle Metagross, though admittedly in a pretty rare scenario. If you can find a better spread that'd be cool though.
 
Last edited:
I still feel that AV deserves a set, because with something like 28 SpDef + max HP you can switch in on a boosted Porygon-Z/Manaphy/most any special setup mon and phase them out with Dragon Tail (which is a big reason to run this over AV Slowbro).
 

PK Gaming

Persona 5
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Past SPL Champion
* Psyshock is its Psychic STAB, and is preferred over Psychic as it deals with Calm Mind users better by targeting their unboosted stat.
Calm Mind isn't particularly common in OU so you're better off just stating boosting sweepers like Volcarona and Keldeo as examples.

* Able to phaze threats with Dragon Tail
Since Dragon Tail is only mentioned in OO, you should remove this as a selling point

Other than that, this is a solid analysis

1/3
 

DennisEG

Civil Engineer
is a Top Tutor Alumnusis a Team Rater Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
hey there!
add
remove



something something pants

[OVERVIEW]

* Amazing ability in Regenerator allows Slowking to recover health when switching, allowing it to more easily outlast what it's supposed to check.
* Water / Psychic typing gives it many resistances that are important in the meta, namely Steel, Psychic, Water, and Fire.
* Checks Tapu Lele and Mega Metagross, two top threats in the meta.
* Faces competition from Slowbro and Mega Slowbro, and the greater special bulk allows it to take on Tapu Lele, as well as strong special water-type attackers like Kingdra in rain and Manaphy.
* Weak to common Electric and Dark attacks, as well as U-Turn. Also weak to Grass-Type attacks from the likes of Tapu Bulu and Mega Venusaur.
* Can be Pursuit trapped by Pokemon such as Weavile and Tyranitar.
* Incredibly slow.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Slack Off
move 3: Scald
move 4: Psyshock
item: Leftovers
ability: Regenerator
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 156 Def / 100 SpD
i think 252 HP / 188 Def / 68 SpD is better, as allow you to take a tpunch + meteor from metagross and also guarantee you take a Z-Fly from landot at full.

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Calm Mind allows Slowking to beat many special attackers, even boosting threats like Tapu Lele and Volcarona without Bug Buzz.
* Slack Off allows Slowking to recover health.
* Scald is a go-to option for any defensive Water-Type due to its chance to burn.
* Psyshock is its Psychic-type STAB, and is preferred over Psychic as it ignores the Special Defense raises of things like Volcarona and Calm Mind Tapu Lele. Also is able to beat chansey with psyshock


Set Details
========

* 252 HP EVs maximize bulk on both sides.
* 156 Def EVs allows Slowking to live Mega Metagross' Meteor Mash, and then a +1 Psychic Terrain boosted Zen Headbutt, allowing Slowking to check Mega Metagross even in a worst case scenario, sans a flinch or critical hit. This physical bulk also helps Slowking take physical hits it's expected to take, like Keldeo's Secret Sword and Tapu Lele's Psyshock.
* 100 SpD EVs combined with a Calm nature allow Slowking to avoid a 4HKO from Tapu Lele's Moonblast. It also helps Slowking take on special attackers like Volcarona, Kingdra, Heatran, Magearna, and Manaphy.
* Regenerator heals Slowking for 1/3 of its health when it switches out, making it difficult to wear down.
* Leftovers is the preferred item, giving it a small amount of health back each turn.

Usage Tips
========

* Switch Slowking into threats it can check, like Mega Metagross, Tapu Lele, Volcarona, Manaphy, and more. It also serves to scout opponent's movepool as Regenerator allow you to take some hits.
* Be cautious of coverage moves that allow some of the aforementioned Pokemon to beat Slowking, such as Thunder Punch on Mega Metagross, Bug Buzz on Volcarona, or Bloom Doom on Heatran.
* Keep it healthy enough to check these threats by using Slack Off and switching to trigger Regenerator.
* When Slowking is in front of something that can't significantly damage it, the safest moves to use are Calm Mind or Scald, if Slowking doesn't need to heal up.
* Calm Mind can be used if no remaining Pokemon on the opponent's team threaten Slowking. It should also be used to combat Calm Mind Tapu Lele, who Slowking can usually beat due to Tapu Lele's lack of recovery.


Team Options
========

* Slowking should be paired with teammates who can cover its weaknesses. Grass types like Ferrothorn, Amoonguss, and Mega Venusaur pair well, since Slowking can take on their Fire weaknesses, Ferrothorn's Fighting weakness, and Mega Venusaur's and Amoonguss' Psychic weakness. In turn, they can take Electric and Grass attacks for Slowking. Tapu Bulu also pairs well with it, as it can take Electric, Grass, and Dark attacks; Slowking can switch in to Fire and Steel attacks for Tapu Bulu. Mention on Bulu how it helps to recover even more in grassy terrain meaning you cant afford to use an attack insted of slack off
* With its weakness to Dark-types, Slowking pairs well with Fairy and Fighting types. Buzzwole is a good partner as it is able to switch into Bug, Dark, and Grass attacks, at least on the physical side, whereas Slowking covers Buzzwole's Psychic and Fire weaknesses. Fairy types like Clefable, Tapu Bulu, and Magearna are all good partners due to their ability to take Dark-type attacks.
*Mention healer partners as slowking doesnt like status, also mention some hazard control partners as spikes + sr means you no longer check any threat.


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

* Yawn can potentially sleep an opposing Pokemon and acts as a psuedo-phazing option.
* Toxic is useful for spreading poison.
* Thunder Wave is useful Speed control. Slowking is unlikely to outspeed any Pokemon, even if they're Paralyzed, but it allows Slowking's teammates to more reliably handle them. mention the twave nerf.
* Dragon Tail can phaze pokemon, dealing okay chip damage with hazards and the move itself, but Fairies are immune to it.
* Power Gem is capable of OHKOing Mega Charizard Y, allowing Slowking to check it more reliably.
* Slowking can run an offensive Trick Room set, with three attacks or Nasty Plot and two attacks.

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

**Dark-types**: While they risk getting burned by Scald, Dark-types like Weavile, Tyranitar, or Hoopa-U can come in on Slowking and threaten major damage with their super effective Dark-type STAB moves. The former two can also Pursuit Slowking as it switches out, potentially removing it from the match. Ash-Greninja can come in on Slowking with minimal risk and starting firing off powerful Dark Pulses, but is crippled by Thunder Wave. mention just greninja in general, both forms can deal pretty well with slowking.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Mega Venusaur, Tapu Bulu and SerperiorAV tangrowth can switch in to Slowking, though Mega Venusaur is dented by Psyshock and Tapu Bulu doesn't appreciate burns.

**Electric-types**: Tapu Koko, Thundurus, and Zapdos all threaten major damage on Slowking with their STAB moves.

**Water-types**: Certain Water-types like Tapu Fini and Mega Gyarados take little damage from Slowking's attacks. Tapu Fini does little damage with Moonblast, but can prevent Slowking from healing with Taunt, and it is also immune to status so long as Misty Terrain is up. Mega Gyarados threatens a powerful Crunch, or can set up with Dragon Dance.

**Toxic**: Toxic wears Slowking can and limits its ability to check Pokemon. Burn and Poison also hamper is bulk, but not to as large an extent.
QC 2/3
 

Colonel M

I COULD BE BORED!
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
I feel really iffy on the Metagross check. I think a lot of it is due to potential Electric Terrain Thunder Punch from Mega Metagross does a shitload of damage and, though the burn chance is significant enough to scare Mega Metagross, is still only a 1/3 of a chance of a burn.

I would mention that you also are an excellent counter to the majority of Keldeos too. It's a pretty relevant threat in OU atm.
* Calm Mind allows Slowking to beat many special attackers, even boosting threats like Tapu Lele and Volcarona without Bug Buzz.
Do you mean "beating"? I would also mention that you beat Leles if they lack Taunt.
* 252 HP EVs maximize bulk on both sides.
* 188 Defense EVs allow Slowking to take a Meteor Mash and then a Thunder Punch all of the time at full health, and most of the time if switching in to Stealth Rock. This physical bulk also helps Slowking take physical hits it's expected to take, like Keldeo's Secret Sword and Tapu Lele's Psyshock, and it also allows Slowking to survive Landorus-T's Z-Fly at full health.
* 100 SpD EVs combined with a Calm nature allow Slowking to avoid a 4HKO from Tapu Lele's Moonblast. It also helps Slowking take on special attackers like Volcarona, Kingdra, Heatran, Magearna, and Manaphy.
* Regenerator heals Slowking for 1/3 of its health when it switches out, making it difficult to wear down.
* Leftovers is the preferred item, giving it a small amount of health back each turn.
So... what do the remaining EVs and a Calm nature do again?
* Hazard Removal is important, because if Stealth Rock and any level of Spikes are on the field, it will be more difficult for Slowking to comfortably with in to threats.
Such as...?

Other Options
- Add Fire Blast since Slowking can smash through Ferrothorn and is much stronger at tackling Mega Metagross and Scizor cocky enough to stay in on Slowking.
**Dark-types**: While they risk getting burned by Scald, Dark-types like Weavile, Tyranitar, or Hoopa-U can come in on Slowking and threaten major damage with their super effective Dark-type STAB moves. The former two can also Pursuit Slowking as it switches out, potentially removing it from the match. Ash-Greninja can come in on Slowking with minimal risk and starting firing off powerful Dark Pulses, but is crippled by Thunder Wave. Protean Greninja is also able to switch in to Slowking fairly easily, but doesn't do much damage without HP Electric, U-Turn, or the very rare Dark Pulse.
I would mention that Tyranitar is the main Pursuit Pokemon of choice, and you can add Alolan Muk to the mix as well since it takes very little from Scald (it only fears the burn), does a good chunk with Knock Off or Pursuit, and threatens Slowking with Poison Touch.

Protean Greninja won't really run U-turn. Instead, they're likely to run Dark Pulse as an option. In there mention that Ash-Greninja can hit Slowking very hard with STAB Choice Specs Dark Pulse or shut down its setup with Taunt. You can also mention that Hoopa-U can Trick its Choice item onto Slowking to lock it onto a single move (though to be fair Slowking doesn't completely mind Choice Specs in *some* situations).
**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Mega Venusaur, Tapu Bulu and Tangrowth can switch in to Slowking, though Mega Venusaur is dented by Psyshock and Tapu Bulu doesn't appreciate burns.
Mention that non-Assault Vest Tangrowth can threaten Slowking with Sleep Powder. I admit, though, I'm a little hasty on mentioning bulkier Grass-types. If they don't pack a lot of offense or don't boost their Special Attack they can still lose the war to Slowking barring lucky crits on lower HP Slowking. I actually would have Serperior in this section because, though it's rarer and not a Pokemon I recommend using, it will outscale Slowking in the Calm Mind vs Leaf Storm war. You can also mention Zamrock's favorite Pokemon, Kartana, as it can switch into anything but Scald and threaten to do significant damage with STAB Leaf Blade (252 Atk Kartana Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 188 Def Slowking: 368-434 (93.4 - 110.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock).
**Electric-types**: Tapu Koko, Thundurus, and Zapdos all threaten major damage on Slowking with their STAB moves.
You can at least add Choice Specs Magnezone too which is a solid check against Slowking.
**Water-types**: Certain Water-types like Tapu Fini and Mega Gyarados take little damage from Slowking's attacks. Tapu Fini does little damage with Moonblast, but can prevent Slowking from healing with Taunt, and it is also immune to status so long as Misty Terrain is up. Mega Gyarados threatens a powerful Crunch, or can set up with Dragon Dance.
For Tapu Fini mention that Taunt + Nature's Madness can at least annoy Slowking and force it out if it hasn't boosted its Special Attack or hasn't switched in too many times against Psyshock. For Mega Gyarados mention that Substitute nullifies anything Slowking can ever do.

Though Mega Scizor can lack offensive presence nowadays you can mention that Mega Scizor is a check since U-turn puts a pretty hefty dent on it while Mega Scizor can also Pursuit-trap Slowking (though, of course, very dicey due to Scald burn).

3/3
 

P Squared

a great unrecorded history
is a Site Content Manageris a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
hi make sure to read this, particularly this part
Also note that for the Sun & Moon preview analyses, even though they are in bullet points, everything still must be in a complete sentence! Please make sure to write out your sentences on your own before sending your analysis to GP.

2. Posting in the GP Queue
When you're ready for GP, post a link to your analysis in the GP Queue.
GP 1/1
[OVERVIEW]

* Slowking checks Tapu Lele and Keldeo, two prominent threats in the metagame, as well as checking Mega Metagross if it doesn't have Thunder Punch.
* An amazing ability in Regenerator, which allows Slowking to recover health when switching, lets it allowing it to more easily outlast what it's supposed to check. (yeah, but you haven't said what it is that Slowking checks, so this sentence feels pretty unhelpful. that's why I moved the third bullet up)
* Water / Psychic typing gives it many resistances that are important in the metagame, namely to Steel, Psychic, Water, and Fire.
* Checks Tapu Lele and Keldeo, two prominent threats in the meta, as well as checking Mega Metagross if it doesn't have Thunder Punch.
* Slowking faces competition from Slowbro and Mega Slowbro, but the its greater special bulk allows it to take on Tapu Lele, as well as strong special Water-type special attackers like Kingdra in rain and Manaphy.
* It is weak to common Electric-type and Dark-type attacks, as well as U-turn. Also weak to Grass-type attacks from the likes of Tapu Bulu and Mega Venusaur are also threatening.
* It can be Pursuit trapped by Pokemon such as Weavile and Tyranitar.
* It is incredibly slow. (meaning...?)

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Slack Off
move 3: Scald
move 4: Psyshock
item: Leftovers
ability: Regenerator
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 188 Def / 68 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Calm Mind allows Slowking to beat many special attackers, even threats like Tapu Lele and Volcarona without Bug Buzz.
* Slack Off allows Slowking to recover health.
* Scald is a go-to option for any defensive Water-type due to its chance to burn.
* Psyshock is its Psychic-type STAB move, (RC) and is preferred over Psychic because as it ignores the Special Defense boosts raises of things foes like Volcarona and Calm Mind Tapu Lele. It also allows Slowking to deal with Chansey better after some Calm Mind boosts.

Set Details
========

* 252 HP EVs maximize overall bulk on both sides.
* 188 Defense EVs allow Slowking to take a Meteor Mash and then a Thunder Punch all of the time at from full health, (RC) and most of the time if switching in to Stealth Rock. This physical bulk also helps Slowking take physical hits it's expected to take, like Keldeo's Secret Sword and Tapu Lele's Psyshock, and it also allows Slowking to lets it survive Landorus-T's Supersonic Skystrike Z-Fly at full health.
* 68 Special Defese EVs combined with a Calm nature allow Slowking to avoid a 4HKO from Tapu Lele's Moonblast. It also helps Slowking take on special attackers like Volcarona, Kingdra, Heatran, Magearna, and Manaphy.
* Regenerator heals Slowking for 1/3 of its HP when it switches out, making it difficult to wear down.
* Leftovers is the preferred item, giving it a small amount of HP back each turn.

Usage Tips
========

* Switch Slowking into threats it can check, like Mega Metagross, Tapu Lele, Volcarona, Keldeo, and more.
* Be cautious of coverage moves that allow some of the aforementioned Pokemon to beat Slowking, such as Thunder Punch on Mega Metagross, Bug Buzz on Volcarona, and Bloom Doom on Heatran. Regenerator helps in scouting an opponent's foe's set.
* Keep it Slowking healthy enough to check these threats by using Slack Off and switching in order to trigger Regenerator.
* When Slowking is in front of something that can't significantly damage it, the safest moves to use are Calm Mind and Scald, if Slowking doesn't need to heal up.
* Calm Mind can be used if no remaining Pokemon on the opponent's team threaten Slowking. It should also be used to combat Calm Mind Tapu Lele, who which Slowking can usually beat due to Tapu Lele's lack of recovery.

Team Options
========

* Slowking should be paired with teammates who that can cover its weaknesses.
* Grass-types like Ferrothorn, Amoonguss, and Mega Venusaur pair well with it, since Slowking can take on their Fire weaknesses, Ferrothorn's Fighting weakness, and Mega Venusaur's and Amoonguss's Psychic weakness. In return, they can take Electric and Grass attacks for Slowking. Tapu Bulu also pairs well with it, as it can take Electric-, Grass-, and Dark-type attacks; Slowking can switch in to Fire- and Steel-type attacks for Tapu Bulu. Slowking also benefits from the passive recovery that Grassy Terrain provides.
* With its weakness to Dark-types, Slowking pairs well with Fairy- and Fighting-types. Buzzwole is a good partner, (AC) as it is able to switch into physical Bug-, Dark-, and Grass-type attacks, at least on the physical side, whereas Slowking covers Buzzwole's Psychic and Fire weaknesses. Fairy-types like Clefable, Tapu Bulu, and Magearna are all good partners due to their ability to take Dark-type attacks.
* Hazard removal is important, (RC) because if Stealth Rock and any level number of layers of Spikes are on the field, it will be more difficult for Slowking to comfortably switch in to threats. Zapdos, Skarmory, and Excadrill are three sources of hazard removal that pair fairly well with Slowking.
* Teammates with Heal Bell or Aromatherapy are helpful, as Slowking's defensive ability is hampered by Toxic and Poison (do you mean burn. if so: "Toxic and burns". otherwise replace this with "hampered by poison"). Clefable, Chansey, and Celebi are Pokemon that can use these moves.


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

* Yawn can potentially put sleep an opposing Pokemon to sleep and acts as a psuedo-phazing option. (pseudo psuedo hazing @_@)
* Fire Blast allows Slowking to pose a larger threat to Mega Metagross, as well as roast Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor if they feel safe staying in on Slowking.
* Toxic is useful for spreading poison.
* Thunder Wave is useful for speed control. Slowking is unlikely to outspeed any Pokemon, even if they're paralyzed, due to the nerf that Paralysis received, and Thunder Wave is only 90% accurate this gen, but a successful paralysis can still allow Slowking's teammates to more reliably handle them foe.
* Dragon Tail can phaze Pokemon, dealing okay chip damage combined with hazards and the move itself, but Fairy-types are immune to it.
* Power Gem is capable of OHKOing Mega Charizard Y, allowing Slowking to check it more reliably.
* Slowking can run an offensive Trick Room set, with three attacks or Nasty Plot and two attacks.

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

**Dark-types**: While they risk getting burned by Scald, Dark-types like Weavile, Tyranitar, and Hoopa-U can come in on Slowking and threaten major damage with their super effective Dark-type STAB moves. The former two can also Pursuit Slowking as it switches out, potentially removing it from the match; Pursuit is especially common on Tyranitar. Ash-Greninja can come in on Slowking with minimal risk and starting firing off powerful Choice Specs-boosted Dark Pulses, but it is crippled by Thunder Wave. Protean Greninja is also able to switch in to Slowking fairly easily, but it doesn't threaten it back without Dark Pulse. Alolan Muk is a solid check that doesn't fear anything except a Scald burn, does respectable damage with STAB Pursuit or Knock Off, and even threatens to poison Slowking.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Mega Venusaur, Tapu Bulu, and Tangrowth can switch in to Slowking, though Mega Venusaur is dented by Psyshock and Tapu Bulu doesn't appreciate burns. Tangrowth, however, risks losing to a boosted Slowking if it does not carry Sleep Powder, in other words i.e. if it not running its Assault Vest set. Serperior is a niche pick in OU, but it can effortlessly win a boosting war against Slowking with its Contrary Leaf Storms. Kartana threatens an OHKO after Stealth Rock with Leaf Blade, (RC) and can switch in on any common move except for Scald.

**Electric-types**: Tapu Koko, Choice Specs Magnezone, Thundurus, and Zapdos all threaten major damage on Slowking with their Electric-type STAB moves.

**Water-types**: Certain Water-types like Tapu Fini and Mega Gyarados take little damage from Slowking's attacks. Tapu Fini doesn't do much damage in return with either of its STAB attacks, but it does force Slowking out with Taunt and Nature's Madness. Mega Gyarados threatens a powerful Crunch, (RC) or can set up with Dragon Dance; if Mega Gyarados runs Substitute, it also nullifies anything Slowking can do to it.

**Mega Scizor**: Mega Scizor doesn't fear anything except a Scald burn or the rare Fire Blast, and it does significant damage with U-turn and is also capable of Pursuit trapping Slowking.

**Status**: Toxic wears Slowking can down and limits its ability to check Pokemon. Burn and poison also hamper is bulk, but not to as large an extent.
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 1, Guests: 0)

Top