Kingler (NU Revamp) [GP 2/2]

Oglemi

Borf
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http://www.smogon.com/rs/pokemon/kingler


[Overview]

Kingler possesses an insane base 130 Attack stat, but like many Pokemon in NU, it can't make use of it with its STAB moves. That said, with access to Double-Edge and a Speed stat that puts it above all of the common defensive Pokemon in the tier to back up its massive Attack, Kingler is still a very dangerous Choice Band attacker and late-game sweeper to look out for. It also has a nice base 115 Defense stat, meaning it doesn't simply fall over to the few priority attacks that exist in the metagame and can pull off an effective defensive set as well. While Kingler seems scary at first glance, its shallow movepool, terrible Special Defense, middling Speed, and poor coverage all attribute to its downfall, and it is ultimately effectively walled by most of the popular walls available in the tier if played around correctly.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Double-Edge
move 2: Hidden Power Ghost / Hidden Power Ground
move 3: Surf
move 4: Blizzard / Flail
item: Choice Band
ability: Hyper Cutter
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Kingler's Choice Band-boosted Double-Edge easily OHKOes dangerous attackers like Hitmonchan and offensive Chimecho and cleanly 2HKOes bulky walls like Kecleon, physically defensive Lickitung, physically defensive Whiscash, and Dewgong after a layer of Spikes. Hidden Power Ghost ensures that Kingler isn't completely walled by Ghost-types, particularly Haunter and Shedinja, though Hidden Power Ground can be chosen instead, as it gets the same hit on Sableye while giving Kingler a much better tool for Swalot, Mawile, and Relicanth than Kingler's other moves.

Kingler's viable physical movepool stops there, though there are other Hidden Power types worth considering. Hidden Power Rock has pretty good coverage with Double-Edge and rips apart Dewgong, Pelipper, and Golbat. Hidden Power Bug gives Kingler a reliable hit on Tangela and is a stronger option for Bellossom and Chimecho.

The last two slots have to go to special moves in order to fill Kingler's moveset. As it happens, Surf isn't an absolutely terrible move to get locked into. Kingler's Special Attack is just high enough to make it the better option for taking out a few Rock-types, particularly Graveler, as well as Magcargo, Lairon, Sudowoodo, and Pupitar if not running Hidden Power Ground. Blizzard is Kingler's best attack for Tangela, but it doesn't have much use outside of that. The last slot can also go to Flail, but it's probably more situational than Blizzard is considering how difficult it is to use it effectively.

[ADDITIONAL SET COMMENTS]

A Naughty nature is used so as to not lower the power of Surf and Blizzard while giving Kingler as much power behind its physical attacks as possible. A Naive nature can be used to outrun positive-natured base 65 Speed Pokemon, particularly maximum Speed Flareon and Adamant Hitmonchan, the latter of which would make it worth it, though maximum Speed base 65 Speed Pokemon are rare. Kingler does get access to Mud Shot and Rock Tomb as alternative physical move options, which can allow Kingler to use a different Hidden Power type like Ghost more comfortably, but they're so weak that it really isn't worth getting locked into either one of them in the long run.

Choice Band Kingler should be used primarily as a wallbreaker for another physical attacker to sweep late-game, or as part of a physical onslaught core with the goal of overwhelming the opposing team with multiple Choice Band attackers. Kingler makes for a good fit for the latter with its access to Surf and Blizzard, which can be used to remove a wall that resists Normal, such as Graveler, which would otherwise be pesky for other typical members of the team, like Murkrow, Pidgeot, and Raticate, to break through.

Kingler is easily revenge killed by fast special attackers like Plusle and Haunter, so packing a special wall or tank is highly recommended when using Kingler, with Flareon and Sableye among the best choices for teammates. Lickitung and Kecleon are also solid choices, with Kecleon also making for a good choice for physical onslaught teams if using a Choice Band set. Having a teammate to take on defensive Tangela and Bellossom is also recommended, as they can tank an attack or two from Kingler and OHKO it in return with their Grass-type STAB moves. Murkrow stands out as a great offensive partner to switch into them, while Flareon is a great defensive choice.

[SET]
name: Flail
move 1: Endure / Substitute
move 2: Flail
move 3: Hidden Power Ghost / Hidden Power Ground
move 4: Swords Dance / Surf
item: Salac Berry
ability: Hyper Cutter
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

A 200-Base Power Flail coming off of Kingler's base 130 Attack stat straight-up OHKOes pretty much every offensive Pokemon in the tier, and after a Swords Dance boost, it OHKOes everything save for Rock-, Steel-, and Ghost-types. Here are some calculations to highlight the sheer power of Kingler's Flail against a selection of common Pokemon in the tier:

- 200 Base Power Flail vs 4/0 Hitmonchan: 120.2 - 141.7%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 4/0 Bellossom: 93.8 - 110.6%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 4/0 Huntail: 91.2 - 107.5%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 4/0 Pidgeot: 98.3 - 115.9%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 252/0 Flareon: 108.3 - 127.5%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 4/0 Vigoroth: 95.3 - 112.2%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 0/252+ Wailord: 56.5 - 66.7%
- +2 200 Base Power Flail vs 0/252+ Wailord: 113 - 133.2%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 252/252+ Lickitung: 53.9 - 63.5%
- +2 200 Base Power Flail vs 252/252+ Lickitung: 107.5 - 126.5%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 252/252+ Swalot: 48 - 56.6%
- +2 200 Base Power Flail vs 252/252+ Swalot: 95.7 - 112.8%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 252/252+ Mawile: 31.5 - 37.1%
- +2 200 Base Power Flail vs 252/252+ Mawile: 62.8 - 74%

Hidden Power Ghost has the best two-move coverage with Flail, ensuring that Haunter and Shedinja don't just completely wall Kingler. However, Hidden Power Ground is an option, as it gives Kingler a move to 2HKO maximum Defense Mawile without a Swords Dance boost, and OHKO it with a boost. Hidden Power Ground is also Kingler's best hope against defensive Relicanth, but it still manages to 2HKO maximum Defense Relicanth at +2. If you don't think that Kingler will be able to find the time to boost with Swords Dance, Surf is a decent option in its place, as it is Kingler's best option for Graveler, Pupitar, Magcargo, and Sudowoodo, OHKOing the former three and cleanly 2HKOing 252 HP versions of the latter.

Kingler makes for an amazing late-game sweeper with this set if you can bait something like Plusle or Haunter into attacking Kingler, use Endure as they use Thunderbolt, obtain the Salac Berry's Speed boost and a full-powered Flail, and proceed to just mangle everything left on the opponent's team. Be wary of both of these Pokemon and other similar frail attackers like them using Substitute before attacking Kingler. If you aren't confident in your baiting skills, Substitute is a much safer option to bring Kingler down to 1 HP to begin the sweep; just be sure to keep Spikes off the field so that it will work correctly.

[ADDITIONAL SET COMMENTS]

There really aren't any other options to consider in regards to EVs or nature; however, a positive Speed nature is worth considering in order to allow Kingler to outpace Adamant Hitmonchan before attempting to boost. Considering Hitmonchan is one of the few Pokemon with access to priority in the tier, removing it when possible is desirable when using this set. That said, without a positive Attack nature, many of the KOs and 2HKOs listed above, and many more not listed, are just missed out on.

If using Substitute, Kingler should have 8 HP EVs to try make it easier to bring it down to low health manually; however, the prevalence of Spikes in the tier makes it incredibly hard to bring Kingler down to 1 HP correctly. Substitute does come with the benefit of blocking status and protecting Kingler from priority if done correctly, but it also requires Kingler to get in on a foe it outspeeds, which is not always possible. Both Endure and Substitute have a major risk factor attached to them, but Endure is generally the better choice for the most situations in this tier.

This set can only 2HKO most defensive threats without a Swords Dance boost, and even many offensive Pokemon with some HP investment avoid the OHKO, increasing the importance of making this set a late-game sweeper once most Pokemon on the opposing side have been weakened, and preferably with a layer or two of Spikes set up to push a few of those aforementioned calculations into guaranteed KOs. Tangela, Rock-types, and Steel-types are particularly important to remove or weaken before bringing out Kingler and attempting a sweep. Diglett is a good Pokemon to consider to use with Kingler to remove, or at least heavily weaken, the latter two obstacles. Murkrow and Flareon are both good options to consider to take on Tangela and defensive Bellossom.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Body Slam
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Surf / Hidden Power Ground
item: Leftovers
ability: Hyper Cutter
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 180 Atk / 72 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

This set is a more defensive take on Kingler, making use of its good physical bulk to act as a pivot and disrupter for more balanced teams that need a good check to physical attackers like Hitmonchan while retaining a good amount of offensive momentum. Body Slam is the main attack due to its paralysis chance, and with the given EVs, it'll almost always 2HKO 4/0 Hitmonchan and Pidgeot. Knock Off is actually surprisingly good in the NU tier due to the prevalence of Spikes, and without their Leftovers, defensive Pokemon like Lickitung and Sableye become much more exposed to various 2HKOs they otherwise just barely avoid. Toxic conflicts with Body Slam a bit, but it is a great tool when combined with Knock Off to quickly wear out the likes of Sableye and other defensive Pokemon likely to switch into Kingler, like non-RestTalk Relicanth and Tangela. The last slot is largely filler, but Surf prevents Rock-types like Graveler and Pupitar from switching freely into this set, even when Kingler's using an Adamant nature. Hidden Power Ground is a good alternative if a weak Surf is undesirable, and it is Kingler's best weapon against Mawile.

[ADDITIONAL SET COMMENTS]

Maximum HP investment increases Kingler's overall bulk substantially due to its low base HP stat. 72 Speed EVs are used to outspeed Modest Huntail before it sets up rain, and the remaining EVs are placed into Attack to beef up Body Slam to allow Kingler to better threaten targets like Chimecho, Kecleon, and Hitmonchan. No Defense or Special Defense EVs are needed, as the investment in HP increases Kingler's bulk enough, and further defensive investment leaves Kingler outclassed by Wailord and Whiscash.

A main goal of this set is to spread paralysis with Body Slam and generally weaken the opponent's team to allow another teammate to come in later in the match and clean up. This means that slower, but stronger sweepers that love having the opposing team paralyzed make for the best teammates, which include special Flareon, Choice Band Piloswine, and Swords Dance Tropius.

Plusle and Haunter easily KO this set with Thunderbolt, and Haunter is usually immune to three out of the four attacks, making special walls like Kecleon and Lickitung particularly good teammates to use with this set. Kecleon is also a good check to offensive Huntail, which can otherwise set up on Kingler and KO it quite easily, although it faces the risk of getting paralyzed by Body Slam. Most Grass-types dislike getting paralyzed or poisoned by this set, but they will OHKO Kingler quite easily, making Flareon and Murkrow good teammates to use with Kingler too. Finally, Mawile makes for a particularly good defensive partner to this set, and together with a special wall like Kecleon, it can form a solid defensive core to take on a majority of the tier quite effectively.

Other Options
==============

A straight Swords Dance sweeper is a doable take on Kingler, but the immediate power of Choice Band is typically more appealing, and the fact that Kingler isn't really going to be using much other than Double-Edge means it won't necessarily appreciate the ability to switch moves with a Swords Dance set. Apart from that, there's really not much else to do with Kingler; its movepool is so shallow that there is nothing else to mention, except that Rock Tomb and Mud Shot are "usable" on all the above sets but probably not worth it.

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

Switching into Kingler is a daunting task, but Pokemon that resist Normal are a good place to start. Sableye is probably the safest answer to all Kingler variants, as it's immune to Double-Edge and Flail and takes a pittance from Kingler's coverage moves; the only things it has to really worry about are a Swords Dance-boosted Kingler and Toxic from the defensive set. Defensive Relicanth and other Rock- and Steel-types are the next best answers to Kingler, although a multitude of the latter two need to be wary of Hidden Power Ground and Surf. Defensive Tangela is a pretty surefire check to any Kingler set; it just needs to watch out for Blizzard and the rare Hidden Power Bug.

Kingler isn't exactly bulky, so taking it out offensively and revenge killing it is a pretty easy task if you lack a good defensive answer to it. Plusle and Haunter easily OHKO any Kingler set with Thunderbolt. Offensive Grass- and Water-types will also easily OHKO with Hidden Power Electric or Hidden Power Grass. The main thing to keep in mind when checking Kingler offensively is to not be baited into activating its Salac Berry and then staring down the barrel of a full-powered Flail sweep.
 
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[SET]
name: ALL-Out Physical Choice Band
move 1: Double-Edge/Return
move 2: Hidden Power Bug / Hidden Power Ghost
move 3: Mud Shot
move 4: Rock Tomb
item: Choice Band
nature: Adamant/Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET]
name: Physically Bulky Support
move 1: Haze
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Body Slam
move 4: Surf / Toxic
item: Leftovers
nature: Impish / Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
 

Empress

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[Overview]

Kingler possesses an insane base 130 Attack stat, but like many Pokemon in NU, it can't make use of it with its STAB moves. That said, with access to Double-Edge and a Speed stat that puts it above all of the common defensive Pokemon in the tier to back up its massive Attack, Kingler is still a very dangerous Choice Band attacker and late-game sweeper to look out for. It also has a nice base 115 Defense stat, meaning that (subjective) it doesn't just simply (subjective) fall over to the few priority attacks that exist in the metagame and can pull off an effective defensive set as well. While Kingler seems scary at first glance, Kingler's its shallow movepool, terrible Special Defense, middling Speed, and poor coverage all attribute to its downfall, and it is ultimately effectively walled by most of the popular walls available in the tier if played around correctly.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Double-Edge
move 2: Hidden Power Ghost / Hidden Power Ground
move 3: Surf
move 4: Blizzard / Flail
item: Choice Band
ability: Hyper Cutter
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Kingler's Choice Band-boosted Double-Edge hits like an actual factual train, easily OKHOes OHKOing dangerous attackers like Hitmonchan and offensive Chimecho and cleanly 2HKOing 2HKOes bulky walls like Kecleon, physically defensive Lickitung, physically defensive Whiscash, and Dewgong after a layer of Spikes. Hidden Power Ghost ensures that Kingler isn't completely walled by Ghost-types, particularly Haunter and Shedinja, though Hidden Power Ground can be chosen instead, (AC) as it gets the same hit on Sableye while giving Kingler a much better tool for Swalot, Mawile, and Relicanth than Kingler's other moves.

Kingler's viable physical movepool literally (Kingler used ViceGrip!) stops there, though there are other Hidden Powers Power types worth considering. Hidden Power Rock has pretty good coverage with Double-Edge and rips apart Dewgong, Pelipper, and Golbat. Hidden Power Bug gives Kingler a reliable hit on Tangela and is a stronger option for Bellossom and Chimecho.

The last two slots have to go to special moves in order to fill the slots Kingler's moveset (less redundant). As it happens, Surf isn't an absolutely terrible move to get locked into. Kingler's Special Attack is just high enough to make it the better option (over what?) for taking out a few Rock-types, particularly Graveler, as well as Magcargo, Lairon, Sudowoodo, and Pupitar if not running Hidden Power Ground. Blizzard is Kingler's best attack for Tangela, but it doesn't have much use outside of that. The last slot can also go to something like (eh, I'm not a fan of this, but it's your call) Flail, but it's probably more situational than Blizzard is considering how difficult it'd be it is to use it effectively.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

A Naughty nature is used so as to not lower the power of Surf and Blizzard while giving Kingler as much power behind its physical attacks as possible. A Naive nature can be used to outrun positively positive-natured base 65s Speed Pokemon, particularly maximum Speed Flareon, (RD) and Adamant Hitmonchan, the latter of which would make it worth it (why?), though maximum Speed base 65s 65 Speed Pokemon are rare. Kingler does get access to Mud Shot and Rock Tomb as alternative physical move options, which can allow Kingler to use a different Hidden Power type like Ghost more comfortably, but they're so weak that it really isn't worth getting locked into either one of them in the long run.

Choice Band Kingler should be used primarily as a wallbreaker for another physical attacker to sweep late-game, or as part of a physical onslaught core with the goal of overwhelming the opponent opposing team with multiple Choice Band attackers. Kingler makes for a good fit for the latter with its access to Surf and Blizzard, (AC) which can be used to remove a wall that resists Normal, such as Graveler, which something that would otherwise be pesky for other typical members of the team, like Murkrow, Pidgeot, and Raticate, to break through.

Kingler is easily revenge killed by fast special attackers like Plusle and Haunter, so packing a special wall or tank is a highly recommended teammate when using Kingler, with Flareon and Sableye as among the most immediately good best (Is this what you were trying to say?) choices for teammates. Lickitung and Kecleon are also solid choices, with Kecleon also making for a good choice for physical onslaught teams if using a Choice Band set. Having a teammate to take on defensive Tangela and Bellossom is also recommended, (AC) as they can tank an attack or two from Kingler and OHKO it in return with their Grass-type STAB moves. Murkrow stands out as a great offensive partner to switch into them, and while Flareon is a great defensive choice.

[SET]
name: Flail
move 1: Endure / Substitute
move 2: Flail
move 3: Hidden Power Ghost / Hidden Power Ground
move 4: Swords Dance / Surf
item: Salac Berry
ability: Hyper Cutter
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

A 200 Base Power Flail coming off of Kingler's base 130 Attack stat straight-up OHKOes pretty much every offensive Pokemon in the tier, and after a Swords Dance boost, it OHKOes everything save for Rock-, Steel-, and Ghost-types. Here are some calculations to highlight the sheer power of Kingler's Flail against a selection of common Pokemon in the tier:

- 200 Base Power Flail vs 4/0 Hitmonchan: 120.2 - 141.7%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 4/0 Bellossom: 93.8 - 110.6%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 4/0 Huntail: 91.2 - 107.5%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 4/0 Pidgeot: 98.3 - 115.9%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 252/0 Flareon: 108.3 - 127.5%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 4/0 Vigoroth: 95.3 - 112.2%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 0/252+ Wailord: 56.5 - 66.7%
- +2 200 Base Power Flail vs 0/252+ Wailord: 113 - 133.2%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 252/252+ Lickitung: 53.9 - 63.5%
- +2 200 Base Power Flail vs 252/252+ Lickitung: 107.5 - 126.5%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 252/252+ Swalot: 48 - 56.6%
- +2 200 Base Power Flail vs 252/252+ Swalot: 95.7 - 112.8%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 252/252+ Mawile: 31.5 - 37.1%
- +2 200 Base Power Flail vs 252/252+ Mawile: 62.8 - 74%

Hidden Power Ghost has the best two-(AH)move coverage with Flail, ensuring that Haunter and Shedinja don't just completely wall Kingler. However, Hidden Power Ground is an option, (AC) as it gives Kingler a move to 2HKO maximum Defense Mawile without a Swords Dance boost, (RC) and OHKO it with it a boost. Hidden Power Ground is also Kingler's best hope against defensive Relicanth, but it still only (Is "barely" what you're looking for?)manages to just 2HKO maximum Defense Relicanth at +2. If you don't think that you Kingler will be able to find the time to boost with Swords Dance, Surf is a decent option in its place, (AC) as it is Kingler's best option for Graveler, Pupitar, Magcargo, and Sudowoodo, OHKOing the former three and cleanly 2HKOing 252 HP versions of the latter.

Kingler makes for an amazing late-game sweeper with this set if you can bait something like Plusle or Haunter into attacking Kingler, use Endure as they use Thunderbolt, obtain the Salac Berry's Speed boost and a full-powered Flail, and proceed to just mangle everything left on the opponent's team. Be wary of both of these Pokemon and other similar frail attackers like them using Substitute before attacking Kingler, and other similar frail attackers like them from doing the same. If you aren't confident in your baiting skills, Substitute is a much safer option to bring Kingler down to 1 HP to begin the sweep,; (change to semi) just be sure to keep Spikes off the field so that it will work correctly.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

There really aren't any other options to consider in regards to EVs or nature; although however, a positive Speed nature is worth considering in order to allow Kingler to outpace Adamant Hitmonchan before attempting to boost.(period), which is especially appealing considering Considering Hitmonchan is one of the few Pokemon with access to priority in the tier, (AC) and removing it when possible is desirable when using this set. (The sentence was too long; I split it up and made subjective changes to allow it to flow better.) That said, without a positive Attack nature, many of the KOs and 2HKOes listed above, and many more not listed, are just missed out on that are otherwise achieved with a positive Attack nature.

If using Substitute, you Kingler should have 8 HP EVs to try and bring Kingler make it easier to bring it down to low health manually; however, due to the prevalence of Spikes in the tier, this makes it incredibly hard to bring Kingler down to 1 HP correctly. Substitute does come with the benefit of blocking status and protecting Kingler from priority if done correctly, but it also requires Kingler to get in on an opponent a foe it outspeeds, which is not always possible. Both Endure and Substitute have a major risk factor attached to them, but Endure is generally the better choice for the most situations in this tier.

This set can only 2HKO most defensive threats without a Swords Dance boost, and even many offensive Pokemon with some HP investment avoid the OHKO, increasing the importance of making this set a late-game sweeper once most Pokemon on the opposing side have been weakened, and preferably with a layer or two of Spikes set up to push a few of those aforementioned calculations into guaranteed KOes. Tangela, Rock-types, and Steel-types are particularly important to remove or weaken before bringing out Kingler and attempting a sweep. Diglett is a good Pokemon to consider to use with Kingler to remove, or at least heavily weaken, the latter two obstacles. Murkrow and Flareon are both good options to consider to take on Tangela and defensive Bellossom.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Body Slam
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Surf / Hidden Power Ground
item: Leftovers
ability: Hyper Cutter
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 180 Atk / 72 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

This set is a more defensive take on Kingler, making use of its good physical bulk to act as a pivot and disrupter for more balanced teams that need a good check to physical attackers like Hitmonchan while retaining a good amount of offensive momentum. Body Slam is the main attack of choice due to its paralysis chance, and with the given EVs, it'll almost always 2HKO 4/0 Hitmonchan and Pidgeot. Knock Off is actually surprisingly good in the NU tier due to the prevalence of Spikes, and without their Leftovers, defensive Pokemon like Lickitung and Sableye become much more exposed to various 2HKOes they otherwise just barely avoid. Toxic conflicts with Body Slam a bit, but it is a great tool when combined with Knock Off to quickly wear out the likes of Sableye and other defensive Pokemon likely to switch into Kingler, like non-RestTalk Relicanth and Tangela. The last slot is largely filler, but Surf prevents Rock-types like Graveler and Pupitar from switching freely into this set, even when Kingler's using an Adamant nature. Hidden Power Ground is a good alternative if a weak Surf is undesirable, and it is Kingler's best weapon against Mawile.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Maximum HP investment increases Kingler's overall bulk substantially due to its low base HP stat. 72 Speed EVs are used to outspeed Modest Huntail before it sets ups rain, and the remaining EVs are dumped placed (subjective; I hate "dumped" in this context) into Attack to beef up Body Slam to allow Kingler to better threaten targets like Chimecho, Kecleon, and Hitmonchan. No Defense or Special Defense EVs are needed, (AC) as the investment in HP increases Kingler's bulk to the point that it needs it to enough, and further defensive investment is just better done makes Kingler outclassed by Wailord and Whiscash.

A main goal of this set is to spread paralysis with Body Slam and generally weaken the opponent's team to allow another teammate to come in later in the match and clean up. This means that slower, but stronger sweepers that love having the opponent opposing team paralyzed make for the best teammates, which includes special attacking Flareon, Choice Band Piloswine, and Swords Dance Tropius.

Plusle and Haunter easily (OH?)KO this set with Thunderbolt, and Haunter is usually immune to three out of the four attacks, making special walls like Kecleon and Lickitung particularly good teammates to use with this set. Kecleon is also a good check to offensive Huntail, (AC) which can otherwise set up on Kingler and KO it quite easily, although it faces the risk of getting paralyzed by Body Slam. Most of the Grass-types dislike getting paralyzed or poisoned by this set, but they will OHKO Kingler quite easily, making Flareon and Murkrow good teammates to use with Kingler too. Finally, Mawile makes for a particularly good defensive partner to this set, and together with a special wall like Kecleon, it can form a solid defensive core to take on a majority of the tier quite effectively.

[Other Options]

A straight Swords Dance sweeper is a doable take on Kingler, but the immediate power of Choice Band is typically more appealing, and the fact that Kingler isn't really going to be using much other than Double-Edge doesn't mean it'll necessarily appreciate the ability to switch moves with a Swords Dance set. Apart from that, (AC) there's really not much else to do with Kingler,; (change to semi) its movepool is so shallow that there is nothing else to mention, I really can't recommend any other moves that haven't already been mentioned (I believe you're supposed to avoid using "I" here. If not, disregard this change.) except just state that Rock Tomb and Mud Shot are "usable" on all the above sets but probably not worth it.

[Checks and Counters]

Switching into Kingler is a daunting task, but Pokemon that resist Normal are a good place to start. Sableye is probably the safest answer to all Kingler variants, (AC) as it's immune to Double-Edge and Flail and takes a pittance from Kingler's coverage moves,; (change to semi) the only thing it has to really worry about are a Swords Dance-boosted Kingler and Toxic from the defensive set. Defensive Relicanth and other Rock- and Steel-types are the next best answers to Kingler, although a multitude of the latter two need to be wary of Hidden Power Ground and Surf. Defensive Tangela is a pretty surefire check to any Kingler set,; (change to semi) it just needs to watch out for Blizzard and the rare Hidden Power Bug.

Kingler isn't exactly bulky, so taking it out offensively and revenge killing it is a pretty easy task if you lack a good defensive answer to it. Plusle and Haunter easily OHKO any Kingler set with Thunderbolt. Offensive Grass- and Water-types will also easily OHKO with Hidden Power Electric or Hidden Power Grass. The main thing to keep in mind when checking Kingler offensively is to not be baited into activating its Salac Berry and then staring down the barrel of a full-powered Flail sweep.

GP 1/2
 
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Oggy gave me permission a while back to start implementing GP checks for his ADV NU stuff, as he's been busy. I'll use my own discretion for subjective changes and start slowly chipping away at pushing these through / uploading them.

Thanks Empress, this is ready for check #2 ~(^.^)~
 

P Squared

a great unrecorded history
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GP 2/2

[Overview]

Kingler possesses an insane base 130 Attack stat, but like many Pokemon in NU, it can't make use of it with its STAB moves. That said, with access to Double-Edge and a Speed stat that puts it above all of the common defensive Pokemon in the tier to back up its massive Attack, Kingler is still a very dangerous Choice Band attacker and late-game sweeper to look out for. It also has a nice base 115 Defense stat, meaning it doesn't simply fall over to the few priority attacks that exist in the metagame and can pull off an effective defensive set as well. While Kingler seems scary at first glance, its shallow movepool, terrible Special Defense, middling Speed, and poor coverage all attribute to its downfall, and it is ultimately effectively walled by most of the popular walls available in the tier if played around correctly.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Double-Edge
move 2: Hidden Power Ghost / Hidden Power Ground
move 3: Surf
move 4: Blizzard / Flail
item: Choice Band
ability: Hyper Cutter
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Kingler's Choice Band-boosted Double-Edge easily OHKOes OKHOes dangerous attackers like Hitmonchan and offensive Chimecho and cleanly 2HKOes bulky walls like Kecleon, physically defensive Lickitung, physically defensive Whiscash, and Dewgong after a layer of Spikes. Hidden Power Ghost ensures that Kingler isn't completely walled by Ghost-types, particularly Haunter and Shedinja, though Hidden Power Ground can be chosen instead, as it gets the same hit on Sableye while giving Kingler a much better tool for Swalot, Mawile, and Relicanth than Kingler's other moves.

Kingler's viable physical movepool stops there, though there are other Hidden Power types worth considering. Hidden Power Rock has pretty good coverage with Double-Edge and rips apart Dewgong, Pelipper, and Golbat. Hidden Power Bug gives Kingler a reliable hit on Tangela and is a stronger option for Bellossom and Chimecho.

The last two slots have to go to special moves in order to fill Kingler's moveset. As it happens, Surf isn't an absolutely terrible move to get locked into. Kingler's Special Attack is just high enough to make it the better option for taking out a few Rock-types, particularly Graveler, as well as Magcargo, Lairon, Sudowoodo, and Pupitar if not running Hidden Power Ground. Blizzard is Kingler's best attack for Tangela, but it doesn't have much use outside of that. The last slot can also go to Flail, but it's probably more situational than Blizzard is considering how difficult it is to use it effectively.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

A Naughty nature is used so as to not lower the power of Surf and Blizzard while giving Kingler as much power behind its physical attacks as possible. A Naive nature can be used to outrun positive-natured base 65 Speed Pokemon, particularly maximum Speed Flareon and Adamant Hitmonchan, the latter of which would make it worth it, though maximum Speed base 65 Speed Pokemon are rare. Kingler does get access to Mud Shot and Rock Tomb as alternative physical move options, which can allow Kingler to use a different Hidden Power type like Ghost more comfortably, but they're so weak that it really isn't worth getting locked into either one of them in the long run.

Choice Band Kingler should be used primarily as a wallbreaker for another physical attacker to sweep late-game, or as part of a physical onslaught core with the goal of overwhelming the opposing team with multiple Choice Band attackers. Kingler makes for a good fit for the latter with its access to Surf and Blizzard, which can be used to remove a wall that resists Normal, such as Graveler, which would otherwise be pesky for other typical members of the team, like Murkrow, Pidgeot, and Raticate, to break through.

Kingler is easily revenge killed by fast special attackers like Plusle and Haunter, so packing a special wall or tank is highly recommended when using Kingler, with Flareon and Sableye as among the best choices for teammates. Lickitung and Kecleon are also solid choices, with Kecleon also making for a good choice for physical onslaught teams if using a Choice Band set. Having a teammate to take on defensive Tangela and Bellossom is also recommended, as they can tank an attack or two from Kingler and OHKO it in return with their Grass-type STAB moves. Murkrow stands out as a great offensive partner to switch into them, while Flareon is a great defensive choice.

[SET]
name: Flail
move 1: Endure / Substitute
move 2: Flail
move 3: Hidden Power Ghost / Hidden Power Ground
move 4: Swords Dance / Surf
item: Salac Berry
ability: Hyper Cutter
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

A 200-Base Power Flail coming off of Kingler's base 130 Attack stat straight-up OHKOes pretty much every offensive Pokemon in the tier, and after a Swords Dance boost, it OHKOes everything save for Rock-, Steel-, and Ghost-types. Here are some calculations to highlight the sheer power of Kingler's Flail against a selection of common Pokemon in the tier:

- 200 Base Power Flail vs 4/0 Hitmonchan: 120.2 - 141.7%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 4/0 Bellossom: 93.8 - 110.6%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 4/0 Huntail: 91.2 - 107.5%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 4/0 Pidgeot: 98.3 - 115.9%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 252/0 Flareon: 108.3 - 127.5%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 4/0 Vigoroth: 95.3 - 112.2%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 0/252+ Wailord: 56.5 - 66.7%
- +2 200 Base Power Flail vs 0/252+ Wailord: 113 - 133.2%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 252/252+ Lickitung: 53.9 - 63.5%
- +2 200 Base Power Flail vs 252/252+ Lickitung: 107.5 - 126.5%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 252/252+ Swalot: 48 - 56.6%
- +2 200 Base Power Flail vs 252/252+ Swalot: 95.7 - 112.8%
- 200 Base Power Flail vs 252/252+ Mawile: 31.5 - 37.1%
- +2 200 Base Power Flail vs 252/252+ Mawile: 62.8 - 74%

Hidden Power Ghost has the best two-move coverage with Flail, ensuring that Haunter and Shedinja don't just completely wall Kingler. However, Hidden Power Ground is an option, as it gives Kingler a move to 2HKO maximum Defense Mawile without a Swords Dance boost, and OHKO it with a boost. Hidden Power Ground is also Kingler's best hope against defensive Relicanth, but it still manages to 2HKO maximum Defense Relicanth at +2. If you don't think that Kingler will be able to find the time to boost with Swords Dance, Surf is a decent option in its place, as it is Kingler's best option for Graveler, Pupitar, Magcargo, and Sudowoodo, OHKOing the former three and cleanly 2HKOing 252 HP versions of the latter.

Kingler makes for an amazing late-game sweeper with this set if you can bait something like Plusle or Haunter into attacking Kingler, use Endure as they use Thunderbolt, obtain the Salac Berry's Speed boost and a full-powered Flail, and proceed to just mangle everything left on the opponent's team. Be wary of both of these Pokemon and other similar frail attackers like them using Substitute before attacking Kingler. If you aren't confident in your baiting skills, Substitute is a much safer option to bring Kingler down to 1 HP to begin the sweep; just be sure to keep Spikes off the field so that it will work correctly.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

There really aren't any other options to consider in regards to EVs or nature; however, a positive Speed nature is worth considering in order to allow Kingler to outpace Adamant Hitmonchan before attempting to boost. Considering Hitmonchan is one of the few Pokemon with access to priority in the tier, removing it when possible is desirable when using this set. That said, without a positive Attack nature, many of the KOs and 2HKOs listed above, and many more not listed, are just missed out on.

If using Substitute, Kingler should have 8 HP EVs to try make it easier to bring it down to low health manually; however, the prevalence of Spikes in the tier makes it incredibly hard to bring Kingler down to 1 HP correctly. Substitute does come with the benefit of blocking status and protecting Kingler from priority if done correctly, but it also requires Kingler to get in on a foe it outspeeds, which is not always possible. Both Endure and Substitute have a major risk factor attached to them, but Endure is generally the better choice for the most situations in this tier.

This set can only 2HKO most defensive threats without a Swords Dance boost, and even many offensive Pokemon with some HP investment avoid the OHKO, increasing the importance of making this set a late-game sweeper once most Pokemon on the opposing side have been weakened, and preferably with a layer or two of Spikes set up to push a few of those aforementioned calculations into guaranteed KOs KOes. Tangela, Rock-types, and Steel-types are particularly important to remove or weaken before bringing out Kingler and attempting a sweep. Diglett is a good Pokemon to consider to use with Kingler to remove, or at least heavily weaken, the latter two obstacles. Murkrow and Flareon are both good options to consider to take on Tangela and defensive Bellossom.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Body Slam
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Surf / Hidden Power Ground
item: Leftovers
ability: Hyper Cutter
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 180 Atk / 72 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

This set is a more defensive take on Kingler, making use of its good physical bulk to act as a pivot and disrupter for more balanced teams that need a good check to physical attackers like Hitmonchan while retaining a good amount of offensive momentum. Body Slam is the main attack due to its paralysis chance, and with the given EVs, it'll almost always 2HKO 4/0 Hitmonchan and Pidgeot. Knock Off is actually surprisingly good in the NU tier due to the prevalence of Spikes, and without their Leftovers, defensive Pokemon like Lickitung and Sableye become much more exposed to various 2HKOs they otherwise just barely avoid. Toxic conflicts with Body Slam a bit, but it is a great tool when combined with Knock Off to quickly wear out the likes of Sableye and other defensive Pokemon likely to switch into Kingler, like non-RestTalk Relicanth and Tangela. The last slot is largely filler, but Surf prevents Rock-types like Graveler and Pupitar from switching freely into this set, even when Kingler's using an Adamant nature. Hidden Power Ground is a good alternative if a weak Surf is undesirable, and it is Kingler's best weapon against Mawile.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Maximum HP investment increases Kingler's overall bulk substantially due to its low base HP stat. 72 Speed EVs are used to outspeed Modest Huntail before it sets up rain, and the remaining EVs are placed into Attack to beef up Body Slam to allow Kingler to better threaten targets like Chimecho, Kecleon, and Hitmonchan. No Defense or Special Defense EVs are needed, as the investment in HP increases Kingler's bulk enough, and further defensive investment leaves Kingler outclassed by Wailord and Whiscash.

A main goal of this set is to spread paralysis with Body Slam and generally weaken the opponent's team to allow another teammate to come in later in the match and clean up. This means that slower, but stronger sweepers that love having the opposing team paralyzed make for the best teammates, which include special Flareon, Choice Band Piloswine, and Swords Dance Tropius.

Plusle and Haunter easily KO this set with Thunderbolt, and Haunter is usually immune to three out of the four attacks, making special walls like Kecleon and Lickitung particularly good teammates to use with this set. Kecleon is also a good check to offensive Huntail, which can otherwise set up on Kingler and KO it quite easily, although it faces the risk of getting paralyzed by Body Slam. Most Grass-types dislike getting paralyzed or poisoned by this set, but they will OHKO Kingler quite easily, making Flareon and Murkrow good teammates to use with Kingler too. Finally, Mawile makes for a particularly good defensive partner to this set, and together with a special wall like Kecleon, it can form a solid defensive core to take on a majority of the tier quite effectively.

[Other Options]

A straight Swords Dance sweeper is a doable take on Kingler, but the immediate power of Choice Band is typically more appealing, and the fact that Kingler isn't really going to be using much other than Double-Edge doesn't means it'll won't necessarily appreciate the ability to switch moves with a Swords Dance set. Apart from that, there's really not much else to do with Kingler; its movepool is so shallow that there is nothing else to mention, except that Rock Tomb and Mud Shot are "usable" on all the above sets but probably not worth it.

[Checks and Counters]

Switching into Kingler is a daunting task, but Pokemon that resist Normal are a good place to start. Sableye is probably the safest answer to all Kingler variants, as it's immune to Double-Edge and Flail and takes a pittance from Kingler's coverage moves; the only things it has to really worry about are a Swords Dance-boosted Kingler and Toxic from the defensive set. Defensive Relicanth and other Rock- and Steel-types are the next best answers to Kingler, although a multitude of the latter two need to be wary of Hidden Power Ground and Surf. Defensive Tangela is a pretty surefire check to any Kingler set; it just needs to watch out for Blizzard and the rare Hidden Power Bug.

Kingler isn't exactly bulky, so taking it out offensively and revenge killing it is a pretty easy task if you lack a good defensive answer to it. Plusle and Haunter easily OHKO any Kingler set with Thunderbolt. Offensive Grass- and Water-types will also easily OHKO with Hidden Power Electric or Hidden Power Grass. The main thing to keep in mind when checking Kingler offensively is to not be baited into activating its Salac Berry and then staring down the barrel of a full-powered Flail sweep.
 
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