[SET]
Defensive Pivot (Slowking-Galar) @ Heavy-Duty Boots / Colbur Berry
Ability: Regenerator
Tera Type: Water / Fairy
EVs: 252 HP / 16 Def / 240 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Future Sight / Psychic Noise
- Chilly Reception
- Sludge Bomb
- Thunder Wave / Scald
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
===================
Galarian Slowking provides a unique function in the metagame by being the best anti-weather option. Its incredible special bulk, decent defensive typing, and access to Regenerator also allow it to function as a very effective slow and bulky pivot. The combination of Future Sight and Chilly Reception allows it to not just safely bring in a teammate but also hammer them with a delayed attack, leaving the foe in an uncomfortable position. Pokemon like Zamazenta, Iron Valiant, Mollux, and Venomicon all struggle to take a Future Sight and often give Galarian Slowking the space it needs to set up its Future Sight. Psychic Noise is an alternative that helps shut down the recovery options that bulky foes such as Gliscor, Arghonaut, and Garganacl have. It also acts as a way to immediately damage Arghonaut, Chuggalong, Venomicon, and Zamazenta. Thunder Wave allows Galarian Slowking to cripple common switch-ins such as Dragapult, Darkrai, Roaring Moon, and Miasmaw. Scald is an alternative option, threatening the Ground-types that might attempt to switch into Sludge Bomb such as Equilibra, Great Tusk, and Gliscor, the latter even more so if its Poison Heal has yet to be activated. Scald also punishes other foes that might try to switch in such as Zamazenta, Revenankh, and Snaelstrom. Slack Off is another option in this slot, providing reliable recovery at the cost of some versatility or coverage. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Galarian Slowking to come into a field riddled with entry hazards without much to worry about, whereas Colbur Berry gives Galarian Slowking a chance to punish foes such as Swords Dance Iron Valiant, Darkrai, Arghonaut, and Knock Off Venomicon. Tera Water makes Galarian Slowking that much sturdier into weather teams, allowing it to heck foes such as Walking Wake, Roaring Moon, and Barraskewda more effectively. This also rids it of its pesky Dark-type weakness, allowing it to threaten Malaconda in sun matchups without fearing Knock Off as much. Tera Fairy is an alternative so as to turn its weakness to Dark into a resistance while also turning it into a decent switch-in against Dragon-types such as Dragapult, Raging Bolt, and Roaring Moon. 16 Defense EVs allow Galarian Slowking to survive a Knock Off from Meowscarada while the rest of the EVs are put into its Special Defense to make it as tanky as possible on the special side.
Galarian Slowking fits best on balance and bulky offense teams, where it can support heavy-hitting teammates. Frail but strong attackers such as Hisuian Samurott, Weavile, and Cinderace all appreciate Galarian Slowking bringing them in with relative ease. All of them also pressure physically frail foes while inviting specially frail ones, pairing ever so nicely with Galarian Slowking's Future Sight. Galarian Slowking also appreciates entry hazard support, as its Future Sight forces foes to switch out at inopportune times. Teammates such as Arghonaut, Gliscor, and Heatran all pair quite nicely by covering Galarian Slowking's weaknesses while setting entry hazards. The former two even have access to Knock Off, making every foe's switch-in costly. Gliscor can even act as a Knock Off switch-in once its Poison Heal has activated, keeping Galarian Slowking's item slot intact. Kyurem is one the biggest benefactors of Galarian Slowking's slow pivoting; not only does Galarian Slowking's Future Sight help it break through common revenge killers such as Iron Valiant and Zamazenta and sturdy checks such as Arghonaut and Mollux alike, but its Chilly Reception enables Choice Specs Kyurem to run Blizzard for extra firepower. Equilibra is another good teammate, covering Galarian Slowking's Ground-type weakness while Galarian Slowking can switch into Fighting-type attacks for it. They can also both use delayed attacks with Equilibra's Doom Desire, keeping an unending barrage of damage going, even while double switching. Cresceidon provides a fantastic partner, being able to beat most Ground- and Dark-types that threaten Galarian Slowking, such as Great Tusk and Landorus-T as well as Darkrai, Kingambit, and Weavile. In return, Galarian Slowking can switch into some of the foes that aim to pester Cresceidon such as Mollux, Garganacl, Iron Moth, and Heatran. On bulkier teams, Hydrapple and Alomomola can make nice Regenerator cores with Galarian Slowking, allowing them to switch nigh indefinitely with proper prediction while Future Sight slowly chips at the opposing team. Both of them also deal with any Ground-type attacks thrown in Galarian Slowking's way, with Hydrapple in particular being notable, as it can check Ogerpon-W, a foe that Galarian Slowking often struggles with.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
===================
A set utilizing an Assault Vest maximizes Galarian Slowking's special bulk and allows it to run more coverage options such as Flamethrower and Ice Beam, but Chilly Reception has far too many applications to pass up, and the lack of Heavy-Duty Boots makes Galarian Slowking far more susceptible to being worn down by hazards. All of the aforementioned attacks can be run over Scald or Thunder Wave to catch foes off guard, but the utility the latter two provide is usually preferred. A physically defensive set allows Galarian Slowking to more effectively check Hemogoblin, but other bulky Poison-types like Venomicon and Pecharunt simply perform that role much better.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Great Tusk, Gliscor, Equilibra, and Landorus-T can force Galarian Slowking out while switching into Sludge Bomb and Thunder Wave with little fear. None of them appreciate being burned by Scald, however.
**Knock Off**: Because Galarian Slowking often does not have reliable recovery outside of Regenerator, Knock Off makes it susceptible to hazards and thus, much easier to chip. Foes like Arghonaut, Gliscor, Ogerpon-W, and Roaring Moon can threaten massive damage with Knock Off, forcing Galarian Slowking out. None of them barring Gliscor want to switch into Sludge Bomb, however. Similarly, the threat of Knock Off often dissuades Galarian Slowking from switching into the likes of Malaconda, Pelipper, Deoxys-S, and Clefable, despite having an otherwise favorable matchup.
**Dark-types**: Darkrai, Kingambit, Meowscarada, and Weavile all threaten Galarian Slowking with their Dark-type STAB moves, but they must be careful when switching into it in fear of Thunder Wave and Scald.
**Colossoil**: Colossoil, albeit rare, is the closest thing to a hard counter for Galarian Slowking, threatening it with both its Dark- and Ground-type STAB options, not fearing any status ailments and resisting Sludge Bomb.
**Ghost-types**: Dragapult and Gholdengo both are bulky enough to be able to switch into Dragapult with ease and threaten it out with a Ghost-type attack. Gholdengo even has access to Recover, allowing it to switch into Scald without much worry. Kitsunoh can come in on any move, barring Scald, and force Galarian Slowking out. Revenankh similarly forces it out, but it must be much more careful as to when it comes in while fearing Psychic Noise, Scald, and Thunder Wave.
**Garganacl**: Garganacl cannot immediately threaten Galarian Slowking but can switch into any of its attacks rather trivially and put pressure on it with Salt Cure.
**Strong Physical Attackers**: Ogerpon-W, Choice Band Hemogoblin, Dragonite, and Miasmaw can all deal heavy damage on Galarian Slowking and force it out. None of them like the threat of being statused, however.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/lasen.273339/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/da-pizza-man.221710/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/quziel.297859/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/lustre.567354/
Defensive Pivot (Slowking-Galar) @ Heavy-Duty Boots / Colbur Berry
Ability: Regenerator
Tera Type: Water / Fairy
EVs: 252 HP / 16 Def / 240 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Future Sight / Psychic Noise
- Chilly Reception
- Sludge Bomb
- Thunder Wave / Scald
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
===================
Galarian Slowking provides a unique function in the metagame by being the best anti-weather option. Its incredible special bulk, decent defensive typing, and access to Regenerator also allow it to function as a very effective slow and bulky pivot. The combination of Future Sight and Chilly Reception allows it to not just safely bring in a teammate but also hammer them with a delayed attack, leaving the foe in an uncomfortable position. Pokemon like Zamazenta, Iron Valiant, Mollux, and Venomicon all struggle to take a Future Sight and often give Galarian Slowking the space it needs to set up its Future Sight. Psychic Noise is an alternative that helps shut down the recovery options that bulky foes such as Gliscor, Arghonaut, and Garganacl have. It also acts as a way to immediately damage Arghonaut, Chuggalong, Venomicon, and Zamazenta. Thunder Wave allows Galarian Slowking to cripple common switch-ins such as Dragapult, Darkrai, Roaring Moon, and Miasmaw. Scald is an alternative option, threatening the Ground-types that might attempt to switch into Sludge Bomb such as Equilibra, Great Tusk, and Gliscor, the latter even more so if its Poison Heal has yet to be activated. Scald also punishes other foes that might try to switch in such as Zamazenta, Revenankh, and Snaelstrom. Slack Off is another option in this slot, providing reliable recovery at the cost of some versatility or coverage. Heavy-Duty Boots allows Galarian Slowking to come into a field riddled with entry hazards without much to worry about, whereas Colbur Berry gives Galarian Slowking a chance to punish foes such as Swords Dance Iron Valiant, Darkrai, Arghonaut, and Knock Off Venomicon. Tera Water makes Galarian Slowking that much sturdier into weather teams, allowing it to heck foes such as Walking Wake, Roaring Moon, and Barraskewda more effectively. This also rids it of its pesky Dark-type weakness, allowing it to threaten Malaconda in sun matchups without fearing Knock Off as much. Tera Fairy is an alternative so as to turn its weakness to Dark into a resistance while also turning it into a decent switch-in against Dragon-types such as Dragapult, Raging Bolt, and Roaring Moon. 16 Defense EVs allow Galarian Slowking to survive a Knock Off from Meowscarada while the rest of the EVs are put into its Special Defense to make it as tanky as possible on the special side.
Galarian Slowking fits best on balance and bulky offense teams, where it can support heavy-hitting teammates. Frail but strong attackers such as Hisuian Samurott, Weavile, and Cinderace all appreciate Galarian Slowking bringing them in with relative ease. All of them also pressure physically frail foes while inviting specially frail ones, pairing ever so nicely with Galarian Slowking's Future Sight. Galarian Slowking also appreciates entry hazard support, as its Future Sight forces foes to switch out at inopportune times. Teammates such as Arghonaut, Gliscor, and Heatran all pair quite nicely by covering Galarian Slowking's weaknesses while setting entry hazards. The former two even have access to Knock Off, making every foe's switch-in costly. Gliscor can even act as a Knock Off switch-in once its Poison Heal has activated, keeping Galarian Slowking's item slot intact. Kyurem is one the biggest benefactors of Galarian Slowking's slow pivoting; not only does Galarian Slowking's Future Sight help it break through common revenge killers such as Iron Valiant and Zamazenta and sturdy checks such as Arghonaut and Mollux alike, but its Chilly Reception enables Choice Specs Kyurem to run Blizzard for extra firepower. Equilibra is another good teammate, covering Galarian Slowking's Ground-type weakness while Galarian Slowking can switch into Fighting-type attacks for it. They can also both use delayed attacks with Equilibra's Doom Desire, keeping an unending barrage of damage going, even while double switching. Cresceidon provides a fantastic partner, being able to beat most Ground- and Dark-types that threaten Galarian Slowking, such as Great Tusk and Landorus-T as well as Darkrai, Kingambit, and Weavile. In return, Galarian Slowking can switch into some of the foes that aim to pester Cresceidon such as Mollux, Garganacl, Iron Moth, and Heatran. On bulkier teams, Hydrapple and Alomomola can make nice Regenerator cores with Galarian Slowking, allowing them to switch nigh indefinitely with proper prediction while Future Sight slowly chips at the opposing team. Both of them also deal with any Ground-type attacks thrown in Galarian Slowking's way, with Hydrapple in particular being notable, as it can check Ogerpon-W, a foe that Galarian Slowking often struggles with.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
===================
A set utilizing an Assault Vest maximizes Galarian Slowking's special bulk and allows it to run more coverage options such as Flamethrower and Ice Beam, but Chilly Reception has far too many applications to pass up, and the lack of Heavy-Duty Boots makes Galarian Slowking far more susceptible to being worn down by hazards. All of the aforementioned attacks can be run over Scald or Thunder Wave to catch foes off guard, but the utility the latter two provide is usually preferred. A physically defensive set allows Galarian Slowking to more effectively check Hemogoblin, but other bulky Poison-types like Venomicon and Pecharunt simply perform that role much better.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Great Tusk, Gliscor, Equilibra, and Landorus-T can force Galarian Slowking out while switching into Sludge Bomb and Thunder Wave with little fear. None of them appreciate being burned by Scald, however.
**Knock Off**: Because Galarian Slowking often does not have reliable recovery outside of Regenerator, Knock Off makes it susceptible to hazards and thus, much easier to chip. Foes like Arghonaut, Gliscor, Ogerpon-W, and Roaring Moon can threaten massive damage with Knock Off, forcing Galarian Slowking out. None of them barring Gliscor want to switch into Sludge Bomb, however. Similarly, the threat of Knock Off often dissuades Galarian Slowking from switching into the likes of Malaconda, Pelipper, Deoxys-S, and Clefable, despite having an otherwise favorable matchup.
**Dark-types**: Darkrai, Kingambit, Meowscarada, and Weavile all threaten Galarian Slowking with their Dark-type STAB moves, but they must be careful when switching into it in fear of Thunder Wave and Scald.
**Colossoil**: Colossoil, albeit rare, is the closest thing to a hard counter for Galarian Slowking, threatening it with both its Dark- and Ground-type STAB options, not fearing any status ailments and resisting Sludge Bomb.
**Ghost-types**: Dragapult and Gholdengo both are bulky enough to be able to switch into Dragapult with ease and threaten it out with a Ghost-type attack. Gholdengo even has access to Recover, allowing it to switch into Scald without much worry. Kitsunoh can come in on any move, barring Scald, and force Galarian Slowking out. Revenankh similarly forces it out, but it must be much more careful as to when it comes in while fearing Psychic Noise, Scald, and Thunder Wave.
**Garganacl**: Garganacl cannot immediately threaten Galarian Slowking but can switch into any of its attacks rather trivially and put pressure on it with Salt Cure.
**Strong Physical Attackers**: Ogerpon-W, Choice Band Hemogoblin, Dragonite, and Miasmaw can all deal heavy damage on Galarian Slowking and force it out. None of them like the threat of being statused, however.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/lasen.273339/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/da-pizza-man.221710/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/quziel.297859/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/lustre.567354/
Last edited:
