Malamar (QC 0/3)

[OVERVIEW]

  • Malamar functions as a wonderful late game clearner in the Neverused metagame.
  • The combination of Contrary and Superpower allow Malamar to boost its stats while dealing damwge to its foes.
  • Malamar's typing leaves it with few weaknesses, but with no resistances and only a Psychic immunity.
  • Malamar is vulnerable to Physical attacks before it boosts, meaning it can only come in after things are weakened and its checks are removed.

[SET]
name: Contrary RestTalk
move 1: Knock Off
move 2: Superpower
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Contrary
nature: Careful
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Knock Off is a powerful STAB move that can also cripple many Pokemon by knocking off their item.
  • Superpower is a great fighting-type move that will boost Malamar's attack and defense while dealing damage. It also allows Malamar to super-effectivly hit Dark, Steel, Rock, and Normal types.
  • Rest is a way for Malamar to regain health and get rid of status.
  • Sleep talk allows Malamar to continue attacking when asleep and possibily boosting further with Superpower.

Set Details
========

Maximizing HP and Special Defense EV's help Malamar take special attacks while boosting defense with Superpower.

Leftovers allows for passive recovery and general longevity throughout the battle.

Contrary inverts stat changes, allowing Superpower to raise Malamar's Attack and Defense rather than lowering them.

Usage Tips
========
  • Malamar is an excellent cleaner in the late game once its checks are removed or signifigantly weakened.
  • Superpower is Malamar's go-to move, and while it does not get STAB it has high base power and boosts Malamar's Attack and defense, allowing it to hit harder each time and take less damage from physical attacks.
  • Rest should be used whenever Malamar is low on health as Malamar can use Sleep Talk to continue attacking while asleep.
  • Malamar's 4x weakness to U-turn can compound by fainting Malamar and giving the opponent momentum, so be wary of it.


Team Options
========

Pokemon that can set entry hazards can help Malamar deal with its primary weakness in Bug-Types like Scyther. Some Pokemon who can set hazards include Steelix and Garbador.

Wallbreaking Pokemon, like Samurott and Primape, can break through bulky Pokemon and allow Malamar to clean up late game.

Steelix is another good partner as it helps with Malamar's lack of defensive bulk as well as deal with Fairy-type Pokemon which Malamar tend to struggle with.

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

While not being as effective as the RestTalk set, Malamar can run Psycho Cut instead of Sleep Talk to surprise Poison types like Weezing and Garbador which normally can cause difficulties for Malamar.

Malamar can also make use of its numerous support moves, including Topsy-Turvy, Taunt, Destiny Bond, and Switcheroo to help deal with othet threats in the metagame.

Rock Slide can be used to lure in and knock out Scyther, a common answer to Malamar.

Z-Happy Hour is an interesting option on non-contrary sets that has a one-time use to boost all of Malamar's stats by one stage.

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

Bug-type Coverage Moves, such as Mespirit's Signal Beam and Samurott's Megahorn, can dispose of Malamar easily as a result of Malamar's quad-weakness to Bug-type attacks.

Bulky Poison and Bug types like Weezing and Schyther resist Malamar's superpower, and the latter being able to KO Malamar easily with U-turn.

Taunters, such as Weezing and Virizion, can prevent Malamar from recovering with Rest or attacking while sleeping with Sleep Talk, leaving it vulnerable to being knocked out.
 
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