uploaded -zard
[OVERVIEW]
Skuntank is a very versatile Pokemon in PU thanks to its unique Poison / Dark typing, access to Pursuit and Sucker Punch along with support moves like Defog and Taunt, and ability to run several viable sets; these qualities also make it easy to fit on most teams. Skuntank's typing allows it to check Dark- and Grass-types such as Liepard and Lilligant while also giving it a helpful immunity against Psychic-types like Mesprit and to Prankster moves from foes like Sableye. Access to both Pursuit and Sucker Punch gives Skuntank the ability to trap a Pokemon or revenge kill it, which is especially useful against Psychic- and Ghost-types or frail Pokemon. Skuntank’s reasonable Speed tier, decent Attack, and ability to run both physical and special sets make it strong offensive threat that's difficult to predict at Team Preview. Skuntank is the best hazard remover in PU, in part by virtue of being a Poison-type, meaning it's able to absorb Toxic Spikes upon switching in and then use Defog to remove remaining entry hazards. Aftermath is a notable ability due to it dealing 1/4 damage to a foe if it KOes Skuntank with a contact move. Regardless, even though it provides excellent role compression, Skuntank’s stats are all average to mediocre. This means that while it does have several roles that it fills, it does all of them to an average standard while also not being able to hit that hard or take unresisted hits.
[SET]
name: Physical Defog
move 1: Defog
move 2: Pursuit
move 3: Sucker Punch / Crunch
move 4: Poison Jab
item: Black Sludge / Lum Berry
ability: Aftermath
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Defog allows Skuntank to remove all entry hazards from the field, giving it a support role on offensive teams. Skuntank is the best user of Defog, as it absorbs Toxic Spikes when it switches in as well. Pursuit traps weakened foes or Pokemon that are susceptible to Dark-type moves like Mesprit and Haunter, letting Skuntank act as a reliable revenge killer. Sucker Punch helps Skuntank pick off frail foes like Zangoose, Floatzel, and Pyroar while giving it priority to threaten setup sweepers like Jynx and Lycanroc. Crunch is a more reliable alternative to Sucker Punch that helps versus foes like Musharna and Gourgeist-XL but leaves Skuntank vulnerable to faster Pokemon that Sucker Punch enables it to check. Poison Jab gives Skuntank a way to hit Dark- and Fighting-types such as Absol and Hitmonchan and also helps it check Grass-types like Lilligant that are OHKOed by it. Taunt can be used instead of Defog if the team already has a form of hazard removal, providing a decent utility choice that gives Skuntank the ability to stop hazards from Ferroseed or prevent foes like Gourgeist-XL and Weezing from burning it with Will-O-Wisp.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed and Attack help Skuntank hit hard as possible while being as fast as possible, with an Adamant nature giving it stronger priority and a Jolly nature allowing it to outspeed foes like Adamant Kangaskhan and Jolly Absol. Aftermath gives Skuntank the ability to deal 25% to any foe that knocks it out with a contact attack and deters weakened Pokemon from OHKOing it, as it forces a trade. Black Sludge provides passive recovery that keeps Skuntank healthy throughout the match, making it a more reliable Defogger, and it also cripples anything that uses an item-swapping move like Trick or Switcheroo. Lum Berry trades passive recovery for a more reliable option in checking sleep inducers like Lilligant and Jynx or lets Skuntank avoid a burn from Will-O-Wisp or Scald.
Usage Tips
========
Skuntank acts as a good check to Psychic- and Grass-types such as Jynx and Lilligant and can offensively pressure them to prevent setup. Lum Berry allows it to more reliably check sleep inducers such as the aforementioned Lilligant and Jynx. With Sucker Punch, Skuntank can pick off and revenge kill fast attackers such as Floatzel and Alolan Raichu, but be wary of using it versus foes like Oricorio-G, as Substitute and setup moves cause it to fail and force mind games. Skuntank can switch into predicted Psychic-type moves from Pokemon such as Mr. Mime and Mesprit and then Pursuit trap them for teammates, along with weakened foes if predicted correctly. Pursuit along with Sucker Punch also forces the opponent into mind games. Skuntank can be brought in to use Defog on foes that have STAB combinations it resists, like Shiftry and Haunter, or more passive Pokemon such as Clefairy, which it usually forces out. Skuntank is also able to absorb Toxic Spikes when it switches in to stop status spreading to the rest of its team, but it cannot directly beat either of the setters, Qwilfish and Weezing, without Taunt. Faster variants of Qwilfish also are able to outspeed and Taunt Skuntank before it's able to Taunt back. An immunity to Prankster also allows Skuntank to switch in on Sableye freely, giving it ample opportunity to use Defog or Pursuit trap. If Skuntank opts for Taunt over Defog, it can shut down setup sweepers like Musharna and both Gourgeist-XL and Weezing from crippling it with Will-O-Wisp or, in Musharna's case, healing with Moonlight. Taunt also shuts down entry hazard users like defensive Qwilfish. During the mid- to late-game, a weakened Skuntank can use its ability Aftermath to pressure Pokemon such as Primeape, Hitmonchan, and Archeops from attacking it.
Team Options
========
Skuntank is a glue Pokemon that easily fits on most teams, synergizes with almost every archetype, and, due to its role, requires little team support. Magmortar and Alolan Raichu appreciate Skuntank's ability to Defog reliably and absorb Toxic Spikes. In return, both break common checks to Skuntank like Weezing, Gurdurr, and Ferroseed, with Magmortar absorbing Will-O-Wisp and Alolan Raichu offering a way to break Gastrodon. Skuntank also pressures common checks to them by threatening both Assault Vest Hitmonchan and Lanturn with Poison Jab. Weezing is an ideal partner for Skuntank, as they share no weaknesses due to Weezing's Levitate ability and Skuntank's immunity to Psychic. Weezing helps deal with physical attackers like Gurdurr and Golem, which usually force Skuntank out, thanks to its high Defense and Will-O-Wisp, along with Taunt to prevent setup. Skuntank is able to check and Pursuit trap Psychic- and Ghost-types like Mesprit and Haunter, which are usually able to switch in relatively freely versus Weezing. Primeape is a notable teammate, as it gives Skuntank a fast partner able to revenge kill sweepers and cleaners like Pyroar and Archeops. Access to U-turn also allows it to bait in and pivot on common Fighting-resistant Pokemon like Mesprit and Sableye, which Skuntank can either trap with Pursuit or Defog on. Mesprit supports Skuntank with a Ground immunity, Healing Wish, access to Stealth Rock, and a pivoting move in U-turn while also checking prominent physical attackers like Primeape and Archeops. Skuntank in return helps deal with other Dark-types like Shiftry and Absol, along with Pursuit trapping Ghost-types like Oricorio-G. Pokemon like Type: Null and Assault Vest Hitmonchan greatly appreciate the Pursuit support that Skuntank offers, trapping Ghost- and Psychic-types such as Misdreavus and Musharna that wall Type: Null and Hitmonchan. Both of these teammates are able to act as special tanks in return, taking hits from faster attackers like Pyroar, Floatzel, and Mesprit.
[SET]
name: Special Defog
move 1: Defog
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Acid Spray
item: Black Sludge / Darkinium Z
ability: Aftermath
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Access to Defog means Skuntank can clear the field of entry hazards along with, thanks to its typing, absorbing Toxic Spikes upon switching in. Dark Pulse is Skuntank's most reliable STAB move capable of breaking Pokemon such as Musharna, Qwilfish, and Weezing, along with having a 30% chance to make its target flinch. Fire Blast is mainly for hitting Ferroseed super effectively but also allows Skuntank to deal neutral damage to other Dark-types like Absol and Alolan Raticate. Acid Spray drops the target's Special Defense by two stages, meaning Skuntank is able to break bulkier walls such as Lanturn and Miltank when it's used in conjunction with Dark Pulse. Acid Spray also allows Skuntank to pressure switch-ins like Gastrodon, which struggle to check it at -2.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed and Special Attack help Skuntank be as fast as possible while hitting hard. Timid is the preferred nature to outspeed Timid Mesprit, Jolly Absol and Kabutops, and Adamant Kangaskhan without losing out on much power. Modest can be used over Timid to increase Skuntank's low Special Attack stat, but it then fails to outspeed the previously mentioned Pokemon. Aftermath deters weakened foes from OHKOing Skuntank with contact moves, dealing 25% of their total HP as damage. Black Sludge provides passive recovery that keeps Skuntank healthy throughout the match. This allows it to Defog more reliably compared to variants that run Darkinium Z. It also cripples foes that use either Trick or Switcheroo, providing they aren't Poison-types. Darkinium Z, though it makes Skuntank less reliable at Defogging, is an option over Black Sludge, as the stronger attack helps Skuntank break foes such as Gastrodon and Lanturn, especially when used after Acid Spray. Black Hole Eclipse is also able to pick up OHKOs on foes like Aggron and Kabutops after a small amount of prior chip damage. This is especially notable because physical Skuntank is a far more common set, allowing this special set to act as more of a lure.
Usage Tips
========
Skuntank acts as a good check to Psychic- and Ghost-types such as Musharna and Haunter, being able to easily force them out with a STAB Dark Pulse. Special Skuntank has a far easier time switching in and dealing with Stealth Rock and Spikes setters, as they usually expect the more common physical set, which often struggles versus the likes of Qwilfish, Regirock, and Ferroseed. Acid Spray + Dark Pulse cripples almost all of them, and Fire Blast hits Ferroseed 4x super effectively. Skuntank is able to switch in and Defog on more passive Pokemon like defensive Mesprit and foes with STAB combinations it resists, like Shiftry and Sableye, only fearing the loss of its item—if it's running Black Sludge—via Knock Off from the latter two. Special Skuntank can also use Defog on both Gourgeist-XL and Weezing due to it not fearing the Attack drop from Will-O-Wisp, allowing it to absorb burns for teammates. Skuntank can freely switch in and absorb Toxic Spikes versus setters like Weezing and Qwilfish, as it forces them out with Dark Pulse without fearing a potential burn. With Darkinium Z, Skuntank acts as a wallbreaker capable of severely denting most special walls that don't resist Dark, such as Lanturn, Magmortar, and Audino. It struggles versus Fighting-types, however, especially Assault Vest Hitmonchan, which can easily take its Z-Move at -2, meaning Skuntank should be cautious of using its Z-Move when these foes are still present.
Team Options
========
Even though Skuntank has access to Acid Spray + Dark Pulse and Fire Blast, it still has trouble against some bulkier tanks, especially the likes of Assault Vest Hitmonchan, which are able to easily take a hit and force it out. Teammates like Archeops and Golurk break through most specially defensive walls while offering utility support in Taunt and Stealth Rock. In return, Skuntank can absorb Will-O-Wisps from foes such as Sableye and Weezing, freely switching in and forcing them out. Skuntank is usually susceptible to repeated chip damage throughout the match as the team's form of hazard removal, especially if it opts for Darkinium Z, meaning Healing Wish support from users such as Mesprit—which also provides a Ground immunity, Stealth Rock, and a slow U-turn—helps Skuntank keep healthy for removing entry hazards. Skuntank is able to check both Ghost- and Dark-types such as Haunter and Shiftry for Mesprit, which the defensive sets struggle with. Weezing is almost always a good partner for Skuntank, as they share no weaknesses due to Levitate making Weezing immune to Ground-type moves and Skuntank having an immunity to Psychic-type attacks. Weezing can directly switch into Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan and Gurdurr, both of which force Skuntank out relatively easily, along with checking Ground-types like Alolan Dugtrio and Golem. Skuntank aids Weezing, as its Dark typing means it can check offensive Psychic-types like Mesprit while also threatening foes that use Weezing as setup bait such as Qwilfish. Gurdurr is another solid partner for Skuntank, giving a good physical check to Ground-types like Alolan Dugtrio and Sandslash, with Skuntank offering a way to break physical walls, like Gourgeist-XL and Weezing, for Gurdurr. Choiced Fighting-types like Primeape and Passimian appreciate Skuntank breaking down physical walls like Gourgeist-XL and Weezing, which otherwise wall them; in return, they offer U-turn support and the ability to break special walls like Audino and Type: Null. The Defog support that Skuntank offers, along with absorbing Toxic Spikes upon switching in, helps setup sweepers like Lilligant and Alolan Raichu, as they dislike taking damage from entry hazards. Both of them break standard checks to Skuntank; for example, Lilligant threatens the OHKO on both Gastrodon and Poliwrath, while Alolan Raichu pressures every Fighting-type along with special walls such as Type: Null and Clefairy. Skuntank's typing also means that it can check common threats to both Lilligant and Alolan Raichu in Poison- and Dark-types.
[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Pursuit
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Poison Jab
item: Choice Band / Black Glasses
ability: Aftermath
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Pursuit gives Skuntank the ability to trap Pokemon that are susceptible to Dark-type moves, like Mesprit and Haunter, letting it act as a reliable revenge killer. It also lets Skuntank trap weakened foes that are unable to switch out without being KOed. Sucker Punch gives Skuntank a strong priority move capable of hitting faster foes like Lycanroc, Alolan Raichu, and Zangoose, which helps patch its middling Speed stat. Sucker Punch can also be used to revenge kill setup sweepers such as Lilligant, if sleep clause is active, and Floatzel, which otherwise threaten Skuntank with powerful Z-Moves. Crunch is a more reliable Dark-type STAB move that, unlike Sucker Punch, doesn't fail if the opponent uses a status move. It helps Skuntank break through foes such as Weezing and Musharna while also offering a more reliable way of hitting Qwilfish and Substitute Pokemon. Poison Jab offers Skuntank a strong secondary STAB move able to hit standard Dark-resistant Pokemon such as Hitmonchan, Absol, and Shiftry forat least neutral damage. Poison Jab also has the added effect of poisoning the foe 30% of the time, crippling potential switch-ins like Regirock and Carracosta.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed and Attack allow Skuntank to be as quick as possible with a high damage output. An Adamant nature coupled with a Choice Band gives Skuntank the ability to deal heavy amounts of damage, while a Jolly nature allows it to outspeed the likes of Adamant Kangaskhan, Jolly Alolan Raticate and Shiftry, and Timid Mesprit. Aftermath deters foes from OHKOing it with a move that makes contact, and it deals 25% of their total HP as damage if they do. Black Glasses are an option over Choice Band, giving Skuntank the ability to freely change moves and Pursuit trap more reliably while also being able to bluff having a Choice Band, at the cost of reduced damage.
Usage Tips
========
Skuntank acts as a solid Psychic- and Ghost-type check with Pursuit and Sucker Punch. Pokemon such as Haunter and Alolan Raichu can be revenge killed with the aforementioned moves, with neither being able to do enough damage to OHKO Skuntank, allowing Skuntank to pick off certain foes for teammates. Sucker Punch backed by the power boost from Choice Band, or Black Glasses, allows Skuntank to effectively pick off faster threats like Pyroar, Swanna, and Archeops, as long as they go for an attacking move; this means that Skuntank can revenge kill faster foes that would otherwise naturally outspeed and KO it. The increased damage from Choice Band also helps Skuntank break foes such as Musharna and Qwilfish with ease while also pressuring walls like Miltank and Gourgeist-XL, which the standard physical set fails to do. All-out attacker Skuntank is, however, extremely susceptible to being burned by Will-O-Wisp or Scald and is made almost useless if this happens, so caution should be taken when against foes like Weezing and Lanturn to not stay in or directly switch into an attack from either. Due to the nature of using a Choice item, being locked into a singular move can be exploited by the opposing side; for example, Skuntank being locked into Sucker Punch can let foes like Oricorio-G set up absolutely for free with both Substitute and Calm Mind while forcing Skuntank out. Similarly, being locked into Pursuit after trapping a foe can give the opponent ample opportunity to freely set up given the move's low Base Power, forcing Skuntank to switch and lose momentum. Using Black Glasses over Choice Band mitigates the disadvantages that the latter poses, but the reduced damage means Skuntank can struggle to revenge kill with Sucker Punch or break with Poison Jab and Crunch. Even though this set loses the ability to Defog, it's still able to absorb Toxic Spikes when it switches in, meaning it's still a valuable way to stop the spread of poison among the rest of its team.
Team Options
========
Mesprit offers Skuntank support with Stealth Rock, Healing Wish, a Ground immunity, and a pivoting move in U-turn while also checking prominent physical attackers like Passimian and Hitmonchan. Skuntank in return helps deal with other Dark-types like Shiftry and Absol, along with Pursuit trapping Ghost-types like Oricorio-G. Skuntank is a good partner for Type: Null, as it's able to trap or eliminate the common Ghost-types like Oricorio-G and Gourgeist-XL that completely wall it. Type: Null can blanket check almost every special attacker in the tier in return, with faster ones such as Pyroar and Floatzel being the more notable examples. An ideal partner for Skuntank is often Weezing, as they have zero common weaknesses between them thanks to Skuntank's immunity to Psychic-type moves and Weezing's Levitate giving it an immunity to Ground. Weezing checks physical attackers like Golurk and Gurdurr—which usually force Skuntank out—thanks to high Defense and Will-O-Wisp, along with Taunt to prevent setup. Skuntank's ability to check and Pursuit trap Psychic- and Ghost-types like Musharna and Haunter, which are usually able to switch in relatively freely versus Weezing, make it a useful partner for it. Primeape is notable as a teammate due to it giving Skuntank a fast pivot Pokemon able to revenge kill sweepers and cleaners like Pyroar and Archeops. Primeape's U-turn allows it to bait in and pivot against common Fighting-resistant Pokemon like Mesprit and Sableye, which Skuntank can Pursuit trap. Hitmonchan is a valuable teammate because of its ability to remove hazards, which is something this Skuntank set can't do, with Rapid Spin and act as a strong special tank capable of checking the likes of Pyroar, Floatzel, and Eelektross. In return, Skuntank offers Pursuit and Sucker Punch support, which threatens common Ghost- and Psychic-type checks to Hitmonchan.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Z-Hone Claws gives Skuntank a setup move that provides the same power of Choice Band without forcing Skuntank to lock itself into a move; however, it then has to lose an important attack, such as Crunch, Pursuit, or Sucker Punch, leaving it more vulnerable to being revenge killed or forfeiting its ability to trap foes. Memento over its other support moves allows Skuntank to sacrifice itself in order to give a teammate the ability to come in for free and safely set up, even being combined with Darkinium Z to fully heal whatever switches in. Choice Scarf with Memento is an option on Skuntank, letting it surprise faster foes like Pyroar and unboosted Jynx and Lilligant, along with giving it the ability to sacrifice itself to let a teammate in for free, but Skuntank doesn't quite have the speed to pull this strategy off. It also loses the ability to Defog and change moves. A mixed Defog set with either Hidden Power Grass, to hit Carracosta and Golem, or Fire Blast, to hit Ferroseed, is an option but means Skuntank often has to drop a more valued move. On the Choice Band set, Explosion can be used to surprise Pokemon like Gastrodon, Weezing, and Gurdurr, dealing heavy damage to all three. Play Rough can also be used on the Choice Band set to OHKO Hitmonchan and 2HKO both Poliwrath and Gurdurr. Shuca Berry is an option that lets Skuntank survive a Ground-type attack from Pokemon such as Alolan Dugtrio and Colbur Berry Golurk, effectively beating them. Toxic lets Skuntank hit bulky foes that are usually able to wall or force it out, such as Clear Body Regirock and Gastrodon, and cripple them for the rest of the match. A Black Glasses set with Defog, Crunch, Pursuit, and Sucker Punch can be used to effectively break would-be checks to the standard physical Defog set, like Gourgeist-XL and Musharna. Sludge Bomb is an alternative to Acid Spray on the special Defog set, as it gives more immediate power against foes like Clefairy and Lilligant, but it doesn't offer the same wallbreaking potential that Acid Spray does.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Golem and Gastrodon are able to defensively check Skuntank thanks to their natural bulk, with Golem capable of taking any single hit from all three sets and Gastrodon easily recovering on Skuntank. Gastrodon and Golem struggle versus special sets if they switch in on an Acid Spray, especially if Darkinium Z is used over Black Sludge. Colbur Berry Golurk, Torterra, and Alolan Dugtrio are all able to check Skuntank; the first two can take a hit, and Alolan Dugtrio outspeeds special sets and has Substitute to outplay Sucker Punch against physical sets.
**Fighting-types**: Hitmonchan, Gurdurr, and Throh are able to easily take a STAB Dark-type move from Skuntank and retaliate with their respective STAB moves. Faster Pokemon like Primeape can naturally outspeed every Skuntank set and severely dent it with Earthquake or Close Combat, taking very little from Skuntank's priority Sucker Punch; Primeape can also switch into a predicted Defog to get an immediate Defiant boost. However, all of the previously mentioned Pokemon struggle to switch in, bar Gurdurr, to a Poison Jab, especially from the Choice Band set.
**Faster Pokemon**: Due to Skuntank's rather average Speed stat, quite a few Pokemon are able to outspeed and either force out or revenge kill Skuntank. Examples of these are Swanna, Archeops, and Lycanroc, which naturally outspeed Skuntank and threaten it. Sucker Punch Skuntank is able to somewhat threaten these Pokemon, but it isn't able to OHKO any of them without a decent amount of prior chip damage. While Pokemon like Jynx and Oricorio-G are weak to Sucker Punch, they are able to either put Skuntank to sleep or outplay it with a combination of Flyinium Z and Substitute.
**Defensive Walls**: Depending on what set Skuntank is running, different Pokemon are able to wall it. The physical sets are walled almost entirely by foes such as Regirock, Carracosta, Ferroseed, and Weezing, taking little from all of Skuntank's attacks and being able to set up on or cripple it. Special sets are almost entirely walled by Pokemon like Type: Null, Silvally-Fairy, and Assault Vest Eelektross; however, they all struggle to deal with Skuntank if hit by Acid Spray on the switch. It's worth noting that Clear Body Regirock and Probopass are able to wall all three of Skuntank's primary sets, along with Probopass not even fearing the uncommon Toxic.
[OVERVIEW]
Skuntank is a very versatile Pokemon in PU thanks to its unique Poison / Dark typing, access to Pursuit and Sucker Punch along with support moves like Defog and Taunt, and ability to run several viable sets; these qualities also make it easy to fit on most teams. Skuntank's typing allows it to check Dark- and Grass-types such as Liepard and Lilligant while also giving it a helpful immunity against Psychic-types like Mesprit and to Prankster moves from foes like Sableye. Access to both Pursuit and Sucker Punch gives Skuntank the ability to trap a Pokemon or revenge kill it, which is especially useful against Psychic- and Ghost-types or frail Pokemon. Skuntank’s reasonable Speed tier, decent Attack, and ability to run both physical and special sets make it strong offensive threat that's difficult to predict at Team Preview. Skuntank is the best hazard remover in PU, in part by virtue of being a Poison-type, meaning it's able to absorb Toxic Spikes upon switching in and then use Defog to remove remaining entry hazards. Aftermath is a notable ability due to it dealing 1/4 damage to a foe if it KOes Skuntank with a contact move. Regardless, even though it provides excellent role compression, Skuntank’s stats are all average to mediocre. This means that while it does have several roles that it fills, it does all of them to an average standard while also not being able to hit that hard or take unresisted hits.
[SET]
name: Physical Defog
move 1: Defog
move 2: Pursuit
move 3: Sucker Punch / Crunch
move 4: Poison Jab
item: Black Sludge / Lum Berry
ability: Aftermath
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Defog allows Skuntank to remove all entry hazards from the field, giving it a support role on offensive teams. Skuntank is the best user of Defog, as it absorbs Toxic Spikes when it switches in as well. Pursuit traps weakened foes or Pokemon that are susceptible to Dark-type moves like Mesprit and Haunter, letting Skuntank act as a reliable revenge killer. Sucker Punch helps Skuntank pick off frail foes like Zangoose, Floatzel, and Pyroar while giving it priority to threaten setup sweepers like Jynx and Lycanroc. Crunch is a more reliable alternative to Sucker Punch that helps versus foes like Musharna and Gourgeist-XL but leaves Skuntank vulnerable to faster Pokemon that Sucker Punch enables it to check. Poison Jab gives Skuntank a way to hit Dark- and Fighting-types such as Absol and Hitmonchan and also helps it check Grass-types like Lilligant that are OHKOed by it. Taunt can be used instead of Defog if the team already has a form of hazard removal, providing a decent utility choice that gives Skuntank the ability to stop hazards from Ferroseed or prevent foes like Gourgeist-XL and Weezing from burning it with Will-O-Wisp.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed and Attack help Skuntank hit hard as possible while being as fast as possible, with an Adamant nature giving it stronger priority and a Jolly nature allowing it to outspeed foes like Adamant Kangaskhan and Jolly Absol. Aftermath gives Skuntank the ability to deal 25% to any foe that knocks it out with a contact attack and deters weakened Pokemon from OHKOing it, as it forces a trade. Black Sludge provides passive recovery that keeps Skuntank healthy throughout the match, making it a more reliable Defogger, and it also cripples anything that uses an item-swapping move like Trick or Switcheroo. Lum Berry trades passive recovery for a more reliable option in checking sleep inducers like Lilligant and Jynx or lets Skuntank avoid a burn from Will-O-Wisp or Scald.
Usage Tips
========
Skuntank acts as a good check to Psychic- and Grass-types such as Jynx and Lilligant and can offensively pressure them to prevent setup. Lum Berry allows it to more reliably check sleep inducers such as the aforementioned Lilligant and Jynx. With Sucker Punch, Skuntank can pick off and revenge kill fast attackers such as Floatzel and Alolan Raichu, but be wary of using it versus foes like Oricorio-G, as Substitute and setup moves cause it to fail and force mind games. Skuntank can switch into predicted Psychic-type moves from Pokemon such as Mr. Mime and Mesprit and then Pursuit trap them for teammates, along with weakened foes if predicted correctly. Pursuit along with Sucker Punch also forces the opponent into mind games. Skuntank can be brought in to use Defog on foes that have STAB combinations it resists, like Shiftry and Haunter, or more passive Pokemon such as Clefairy, which it usually forces out. Skuntank is also able to absorb Toxic Spikes when it switches in to stop status spreading to the rest of its team, but it cannot directly beat either of the setters, Qwilfish and Weezing, without Taunt. Faster variants of Qwilfish also are able to outspeed and Taunt Skuntank before it's able to Taunt back. An immunity to Prankster also allows Skuntank to switch in on Sableye freely, giving it ample opportunity to use Defog or Pursuit trap. If Skuntank opts for Taunt over Defog, it can shut down setup sweepers like Musharna and both Gourgeist-XL and Weezing from crippling it with Will-O-Wisp or, in Musharna's case, healing with Moonlight. Taunt also shuts down entry hazard users like defensive Qwilfish. During the mid- to late-game, a weakened Skuntank can use its ability Aftermath to pressure Pokemon such as Primeape, Hitmonchan, and Archeops from attacking it.
Team Options
========
Skuntank is a glue Pokemon that easily fits on most teams, synergizes with almost every archetype, and, due to its role, requires little team support. Magmortar and Alolan Raichu appreciate Skuntank's ability to Defog reliably and absorb Toxic Spikes. In return, both break common checks to Skuntank like Weezing, Gurdurr, and Ferroseed, with Magmortar absorbing Will-O-Wisp and Alolan Raichu offering a way to break Gastrodon. Skuntank also pressures common checks to them by threatening both Assault Vest Hitmonchan and Lanturn with Poison Jab. Weezing is an ideal partner for Skuntank, as they share no weaknesses due to Weezing's Levitate ability and Skuntank's immunity to Psychic. Weezing helps deal with physical attackers like Gurdurr and Golem, which usually force Skuntank out, thanks to its high Defense and Will-O-Wisp, along with Taunt to prevent setup. Skuntank is able to check and Pursuit trap Psychic- and Ghost-types like Mesprit and Haunter, which are usually able to switch in relatively freely versus Weezing. Primeape is a notable teammate, as it gives Skuntank a fast partner able to revenge kill sweepers and cleaners like Pyroar and Archeops. Access to U-turn also allows it to bait in and pivot on common Fighting-resistant Pokemon like Mesprit and Sableye, which Skuntank can either trap with Pursuit or Defog on. Mesprit supports Skuntank with a Ground immunity, Healing Wish, access to Stealth Rock, and a pivoting move in U-turn while also checking prominent physical attackers like Primeape and Archeops. Skuntank in return helps deal with other Dark-types like Shiftry and Absol, along with Pursuit trapping Ghost-types like Oricorio-G. Pokemon like Type: Null and Assault Vest Hitmonchan greatly appreciate the Pursuit support that Skuntank offers, trapping Ghost- and Psychic-types such as Misdreavus and Musharna that wall Type: Null and Hitmonchan. Both of these teammates are able to act as special tanks in return, taking hits from faster attackers like Pyroar, Floatzel, and Mesprit.
[SET]
name: Special Defog
move 1: Defog
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Acid Spray
item: Black Sludge / Darkinium Z
ability: Aftermath
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Access to Defog means Skuntank can clear the field of entry hazards along with, thanks to its typing, absorbing Toxic Spikes upon switching in. Dark Pulse is Skuntank's most reliable STAB move capable of breaking Pokemon such as Musharna, Qwilfish, and Weezing, along with having a 30% chance to make its target flinch. Fire Blast is mainly for hitting Ferroseed super effectively but also allows Skuntank to deal neutral damage to other Dark-types like Absol and Alolan Raticate. Acid Spray drops the target's Special Defense by two stages, meaning Skuntank is able to break bulkier walls such as Lanturn and Miltank when it's used in conjunction with Dark Pulse. Acid Spray also allows Skuntank to pressure switch-ins like Gastrodon, which struggle to check it at -2.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed and Special Attack help Skuntank be as fast as possible while hitting hard. Timid is the preferred nature to outspeed Timid Mesprit, Jolly Absol and Kabutops, and Adamant Kangaskhan without losing out on much power. Modest can be used over Timid to increase Skuntank's low Special Attack stat, but it then fails to outspeed the previously mentioned Pokemon. Aftermath deters weakened foes from OHKOing Skuntank with contact moves, dealing 25% of their total HP as damage. Black Sludge provides passive recovery that keeps Skuntank healthy throughout the match. This allows it to Defog more reliably compared to variants that run Darkinium Z. It also cripples foes that use either Trick or Switcheroo, providing they aren't Poison-types. Darkinium Z, though it makes Skuntank less reliable at Defogging, is an option over Black Sludge, as the stronger attack helps Skuntank break foes such as Gastrodon and Lanturn, especially when used after Acid Spray. Black Hole Eclipse is also able to pick up OHKOs on foes like Aggron and Kabutops after a small amount of prior chip damage. This is especially notable because physical Skuntank is a far more common set, allowing this special set to act as more of a lure.
Usage Tips
========
Skuntank acts as a good check to Psychic- and Ghost-types such as Musharna and Haunter, being able to easily force them out with a STAB Dark Pulse. Special Skuntank has a far easier time switching in and dealing with Stealth Rock and Spikes setters, as they usually expect the more common physical set, which often struggles versus the likes of Qwilfish, Regirock, and Ferroseed. Acid Spray + Dark Pulse cripples almost all of them, and Fire Blast hits Ferroseed 4x super effectively. Skuntank is able to switch in and Defog on more passive Pokemon like defensive Mesprit and foes with STAB combinations it resists, like Shiftry and Sableye, only fearing the loss of its item—if it's running Black Sludge—via Knock Off from the latter two. Special Skuntank can also use Defog on both Gourgeist-XL and Weezing due to it not fearing the Attack drop from Will-O-Wisp, allowing it to absorb burns for teammates. Skuntank can freely switch in and absorb Toxic Spikes versus setters like Weezing and Qwilfish, as it forces them out with Dark Pulse without fearing a potential burn. With Darkinium Z, Skuntank acts as a wallbreaker capable of severely denting most special walls that don't resist Dark, such as Lanturn, Magmortar, and Audino. It struggles versus Fighting-types, however, especially Assault Vest Hitmonchan, which can easily take its Z-Move at -2, meaning Skuntank should be cautious of using its Z-Move when these foes are still present.
Team Options
========
Even though Skuntank has access to Acid Spray + Dark Pulse and Fire Blast, it still has trouble against some bulkier tanks, especially the likes of Assault Vest Hitmonchan, which are able to easily take a hit and force it out. Teammates like Archeops and Golurk break through most specially defensive walls while offering utility support in Taunt and Stealth Rock. In return, Skuntank can absorb Will-O-Wisps from foes such as Sableye and Weezing, freely switching in and forcing them out. Skuntank is usually susceptible to repeated chip damage throughout the match as the team's form of hazard removal, especially if it opts for Darkinium Z, meaning Healing Wish support from users such as Mesprit—which also provides a Ground immunity, Stealth Rock, and a slow U-turn—helps Skuntank keep healthy for removing entry hazards. Skuntank is able to check both Ghost- and Dark-types such as Haunter and Shiftry for Mesprit, which the defensive sets struggle with. Weezing is almost always a good partner for Skuntank, as they share no weaknesses due to Levitate making Weezing immune to Ground-type moves and Skuntank having an immunity to Psychic-type attacks. Weezing can directly switch into Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan and Gurdurr, both of which force Skuntank out relatively easily, along with checking Ground-types like Alolan Dugtrio and Golem. Skuntank aids Weezing, as its Dark typing means it can check offensive Psychic-types like Mesprit while also threatening foes that use Weezing as setup bait such as Qwilfish. Gurdurr is another solid partner for Skuntank, giving a good physical check to Ground-types like Alolan Dugtrio and Sandslash, with Skuntank offering a way to break physical walls, like Gourgeist-XL and Weezing, for Gurdurr. Choiced Fighting-types like Primeape and Passimian appreciate Skuntank breaking down physical walls like Gourgeist-XL and Weezing, which otherwise wall them; in return, they offer U-turn support and the ability to break special walls like Audino and Type: Null. The Defog support that Skuntank offers, along with absorbing Toxic Spikes upon switching in, helps setup sweepers like Lilligant and Alolan Raichu, as they dislike taking damage from entry hazards. Both of them break standard checks to Skuntank; for example, Lilligant threatens the OHKO on both Gastrodon and Poliwrath, while Alolan Raichu pressures every Fighting-type along with special walls such as Type: Null and Clefairy. Skuntank's typing also means that it can check common threats to both Lilligant and Alolan Raichu in Poison- and Dark-types.
[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Pursuit
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Poison Jab
item: Choice Band / Black Glasses
ability: Aftermath
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Pursuit gives Skuntank the ability to trap Pokemon that are susceptible to Dark-type moves, like Mesprit and Haunter, letting it act as a reliable revenge killer. It also lets Skuntank trap weakened foes that are unable to switch out without being KOed. Sucker Punch gives Skuntank a strong priority move capable of hitting faster foes like Lycanroc, Alolan Raichu, and Zangoose, which helps patch its middling Speed stat. Sucker Punch can also be used to revenge kill setup sweepers such as Lilligant, if sleep clause is active, and Floatzel, which otherwise threaten Skuntank with powerful Z-Moves. Crunch is a more reliable Dark-type STAB move that, unlike Sucker Punch, doesn't fail if the opponent uses a status move. It helps Skuntank break through foes such as Weezing and Musharna while also offering a more reliable way of hitting Qwilfish and Substitute Pokemon. Poison Jab offers Skuntank a strong secondary STAB move able to hit standard Dark-resistant Pokemon such as Hitmonchan, Absol, and Shiftry forat least neutral damage. Poison Jab also has the added effect of poisoning the foe 30% of the time, crippling potential switch-ins like Regirock and Carracosta.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed and Attack allow Skuntank to be as quick as possible with a high damage output. An Adamant nature coupled with a Choice Band gives Skuntank the ability to deal heavy amounts of damage, while a Jolly nature allows it to outspeed the likes of Adamant Kangaskhan, Jolly Alolan Raticate and Shiftry, and Timid Mesprit. Aftermath deters foes from OHKOing it with a move that makes contact, and it deals 25% of their total HP as damage if they do. Black Glasses are an option over Choice Band, giving Skuntank the ability to freely change moves and Pursuit trap more reliably while also being able to bluff having a Choice Band, at the cost of reduced damage.
Usage Tips
========
Skuntank acts as a solid Psychic- and Ghost-type check with Pursuit and Sucker Punch. Pokemon such as Haunter and Alolan Raichu can be revenge killed with the aforementioned moves, with neither being able to do enough damage to OHKO Skuntank, allowing Skuntank to pick off certain foes for teammates. Sucker Punch backed by the power boost from Choice Band, or Black Glasses, allows Skuntank to effectively pick off faster threats like Pyroar, Swanna, and Archeops, as long as they go for an attacking move; this means that Skuntank can revenge kill faster foes that would otherwise naturally outspeed and KO it. The increased damage from Choice Band also helps Skuntank break foes such as Musharna and Qwilfish with ease while also pressuring walls like Miltank and Gourgeist-XL, which the standard physical set fails to do. All-out attacker Skuntank is, however, extremely susceptible to being burned by Will-O-Wisp or Scald and is made almost useless if this happens, so caution should be taken when against foes like Weezing and Lanturn to not stay in or directly switch into an attack from either. Due to the nature of using a Choice item, being locked into a singular move can be exploited by the opposing side; for example, Skuntank being locked into Sucker Punch can let foes like Oricorio-G set up absolutely for free with both Substitute and Calm Mind while forcing Skuntank out. Similarly, being locked into Pursuit after trapping a foe can give the opponent ample opportunity to freely set up given the move's low Base Power, forcing Skuntank to switch and lose momentum. Using Black Glasses over Choice Band mitigates the disadvantages that the latter poses, but the reduced damage means Skuntank can struggle to revenge kill with Sucker Punch or break with Poison Jab and Crunch. Even though this set loses the ability to Defog, it's still able to absorb Toxic Spikes when it switches in, meaning it's still a valuable way to stop the spread of poison among the rest of its team.
Team Options
========
Mesprit offers Skuntank support with Stealth Rock, Healing Wish, a Ground immunity, and a pivoting move in U-turn while also checking prominent physical attackers like Passimian and Hitmonchan. Skuntank in return helps deal with other Dark-types like Shiftry and Absol, along with Pursuit trapping Ghost-types like Oricorio-G. Skuntank is a good partner for Type: Null, as it's able to trap or eliminate the common Ghost-types like Oricorio-G and Gourgeist-XL that completely wall it. Type: Null can blanket check almost every special attacker in the tier in return, with faster ones such as Pyroar and Floatzel being the more notable examples. An ideal partner for Skuntank is often Weezing, as they have zero common weaknesses between them thanks to Skuntank's immunity to Psychic-type moves and Weezing's Levitate giving it an immunity to Ground. Weezing checks physical attackers like Golurk and Gurdurr—which usually force Skuntank out—thanks to high Defense and Will-O-Wisp, along with Taunt to prevent setup. Skuntank's ability to check and Pursuit trap Psychic- and Ghost-types like Musharna and Haunter, which are usually able to switch in relatively freely versus Weezing, make it a useful partner for it. Primeape is notable as a teammate due to it giving Skuntank a fast pivot Pokemon able to revenge kill sweepers and cleaners like Pyroar and Archeops. Primeape's U-turn allows it to bait in and pivot against common Fighting-resistant Pokemon like Mesprit and Sableye, which Skuntank can Pursuit trap. Hitmonchan is a valuable teammate because of its ability to remove hazards, which is something this Skuntank set can't do, with Rapid Spin and act as a strong special tank capable of checking the likes of Pyroar, Floatzel, and Eelektross. In return, Skuntank offers Pursuit and Sucker Punch support, which threatens common Ghost- and Psychic-type checks to Hitmonchan.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Z-Hone Claws gives Skuntank a setup move that provides the same power of Choice Band without forcing Skuntank to lock itself into a move; however, it then has to lose an important attack, such as Crunch, Pursuit, or Sucker Punch, leaving it more vulnerable to being revenge killed or forfeiting its ability to trap foes. Memento over its other support moves allows Skuntank to sacrifice itself in order to give a teammate the ability to come in for free and safely set up, even being combined with Darkinium Z to fully heal whatever switches in. Choice Scarf with Memento is an option on Skuntank, letting it surprise faster foes like Pyroar and unboosted Jynx and Lilligant, along with giving it the ability to sacrifice itself to let a teammate in for free, but Skuntank doesn't quite have the speed to pull this strategy off. It also loses the ability to Defog and change moves. A mixed Defog set with either Hidden Power Grass, to hit Carracosta and Golem, or Fire Blast, to hit Ferroseed, is an option but means Skuntank often has to drop a more valued move. On the Choice Band set, Explosion can be used to surprise Pokemon like Gastrodon, Weezing, and Gurdurr, dealing heavy damage to all three. Play Rough can also be used on the Choice Band set to OHKO Hitmonchan and 2HKO both Poliwrath and Gurdurr. Shuca Berry is an option that lets Skuntank survive a Ground-type attack from Pokemon such as Alolan Dugtrio and Colbur Berry Golurk, effectively beating them. Toxic lets Skuntank hit bulky foes that are usually able to wall or force it out, such as Clear Body Regirock and Gastrodon, and cripple them for the rest of the match. A Black Glasses set with Defog, Crunch, Pursuit, and Sucker Punch can be used to effectively break would-be checks to the standard physical Defog set, like Gourgeist-XL and Musharna. Sludge Bomb is an alternative to Acid Spray on the special Defog set, as it gives more immediate power against foes like Clefairy and Lilligant, but it doesn't offer the same wallbreaking potential that Acid Spray does.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Golem and Gastrodon are able to defensively check Skuntank thanks to their natural bulk, with Golem capable of taking any single hit from all three sets and Gastrodon easily recovering on Skuntank. Gastrodon and Golem struggle versus special sets if they switch in on an Acid Spray, especially if Darkinium Z is used over Black Sludge. Colbur Berry Golurk, Torterra, and Alolan Dugtrio are all able to check Skuntank; the first two can take a hit, and Alolan Dugtrio outspeeds special sets and has Substitute to outplay Sucker Punch against physical sets.
**Fighting-types**: Hitmonchan, Gurdurr, and Throh are able to easily take a STAB Dark-type move from Skuntank and retaliate with their respective STAB moves. Faster Pokemon like Primeape can naturally outspeed every Skuntank set and severely dent it with Earthquake or Close Combat, taking very little from Skuntank's priority Sucker Punch; Primeape can also switch into a predicted Defog to get an immediate Defiant boost. However, all of the previously mentioned Pokemon struggle to switch in, bar Gurdurr, to a Poison Jab, especially from the Choice Band set.
**Faster Pokemon**: Due to Skuntank's rather average Speed stat, quite a few Pokemon are able to outspeed and either force out or revenge kill Skuntank. Examples of these are Swanna, Archeops, and Lycanroc, which naturally outspeed Skuntank and threaten it. Sucker Punch Skuntank is able to somewhat threaten these Pokemon, but it isn't able to OHKO any of them without a decent amount of prior chip damage. While Pokemon like Jynx and Oricorio-G are weak to Sucker Punch, they are able to either put Skuntank to sleep or outplay it with a combination of Flyinium Z and Substitute.
**Defensive Walls**: Depending on what set Skuntank is running, different Pokemon are able to wall it. The physical sets are walled almost entirely by foes such as Regirock, Carracosta, Ferroseed, and Weezing, taking little from all of Skuntank's attacks and being able to set up on or cripple it. Special sets are almost entirely walled by Pokemon like Type: Null, Silvally-Fairy, and Assault Vest Eelektross; however, they all struggle to deal with Skuntank if hit by Acid Spray on the switch. It's worth noting that Clear Body Regirock and Probopass are able to wall all three of Skuntank's primary sets, along with Probopass not even fearing the uncommon Toxic.
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