Swalot (NU Revamp)

Oglemi

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http://www.smogon.com/rs/pokemon/swalot

[Overview]

Swalot has some of the best defenses in the NU tier and only really loses the title of "best defensive Pokemon" to Sableye, which hinges largely on the latter's access to Recover. Unfortunately, that also means that viability in the tier is almost invalidated, despite it sporting way better base stats and a much more colorful movepool. Even though Swalot's somewhat outclassed, its resistance to Fighting and relatively few weaknesses across the board make it a decent choice for balanced defensive teams. By being a great check to Hitmonchan, disrupting stall tactics by the likes of Sableye and Roselia, and packing an atom bomb in Explosion, Swalot performs amicably in the tier and has a place on balanced teams that need to condense roles into a couple of Pokemon.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Sludge Bomb
move 2: Hidden Power Ground / Encore
move 3: Toxic / Yawn / Shadow Ball
move 4: Explosion
item: Leftovers
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Swalot can make a spectacular special wall and use Explosion on the only special sweeper that really scares it, Chimecho. It's also one of the few Pokemon that's not 2HKOed by Rain Dance Huntail, assuming it is running Surf over Hydro Pump; even if things go south, Swalot can Explode on it as well. Physical attacks like Sludge Bomb and Hidden Power Ground are preferred with a specially defensive spread as most special attackers tend to have a lower Defense stat, which is particularly true of most of the Grass-types save for Tangela.

Encore can be used over Hidden Power Ground to lock the foe into a useless move like Toxic to force switches. Toxic is the best option in the third slot to allow Swalot to spread damage around defensive teams, though it may be a bit redundant with the poison chance from Sludge Bomb. Yawn can be used to force switches and works super well with Spikes on the opponent's side of the field. Shadow Ball is another good option for the third slot to complete Swalot's neutral coverage with Sludge Bomb and Hidden Power Ground, destroy Haunter, and land a good hit on Chimecho without having to resort to Explosion. The last slot goes to Explosion, which gives Swalot a nearly guaranteed way to take out the foe and ensures the opponent can't use Swalot as setup bait.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Specially defensive Swalot is one of, if not the, best counters to Grass-types in the tier, due largely to its massive bulk, resistance to both Grass and Poison, and Liquid Ooze ability, the latter of which punishes the use of Leech Seed. Maximum Special Defense is the preferred EV spread to allow Swalot the best possible chance of tanking an attack from Huntail and being able to retaliate in some manner.

Special attacks like Ice Beam and Thunder Punch can be used over Sludge Bomb and Hidden Power Ground, and doing so comes with the benefit of being able to hit Tangela, Huntail, and Seadra super effectively while targeting their weaker defensive stat, but the stronger hits on most other special attackers are more desired. Chimecho and Haunter are probably the safest switches into Swalot, though the former needs to be really careful of Explosion and Swalot's specially defensive set may just be luring it in for that exact reason. Regardless, Pokemon that can take them on like Kecleon and Murkrow can be used to switch into and KO them.

Steel- and Rock-types have a harder time consistently switching into Hidden Power Ground, but they have an almost free switch into Sludge Bomb, meaning physically defensive Pokemon like Wailord and Mawile can be good teammates to take them on. Physically defensive Lickitung makes a good teammate in particular, as Swalot can easily switch into most Hitmonchan variants for it and Lickitung takes on most other physical attackers for Swalot in return.

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Ice Beam
move 2: Counter
move 3: Toxic / Yawn / Thunder Punch
move 4: Explosion
item: Leftovers
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

This set is one of the best physical walls around and sports only one physical weakness in Ground. With this set, Swalot becomes one of the best counters to Hitmonchan, giving it an almost assured spot on many defensive teams if Sableye doesn't fit anyway. Ice Beam is used as the general attacking move, as it hits the Ground-types looking to switch into Swalot for super effective or neutral damage and nails the Flying- and Grass-types that Swalot counters super effectively. Counter is a major move that sets Swalot apart from other defensive Pokemon like Chimecho and Sableye, giving it a tool to take a powerful physical attack and eliminate the attacker in one turn.

Toxic is the best option in the third slot to allow Swalot to spread damage around defensive teams and force Chimecho to switch out or use Heal Bell or Rest. Yawn can be used to force switches, which works extra well with Spikes on the opponent's side of the field. Thunder Punch is another option for this slot to give Swalot amazing neutral coverage and let it hit the Water-types that can otherwise tank Ice Beam super effectively. The last slot goes to Explosion, which gives Swalot another tool to take out the foe and is a great way to ensure that the opponent can't use Swalot as setup bait for a sweeper like Vigoroth.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

A fully physically defensive EV spread gives Swalot the ability to counter physical threats as well as possible, with a Relaxed nature used because Swalot's Speed is largely unimportant and it doesn't weaken the power of Ice Beam or Explosion. Physical attacks such as Sludge Bomb and Hidden Power Ground can be used over Ice Beam and Thunder Punch, but most of the physical threats that Swalot can counter have lower Special Defense (the major exception being Hitmonchan). Running a physical move also allows Swalot to run a neutral Speed nature, which can sometimes come in handy to get the Explosion off against a defensive Pokemon like Kecleon before getting hit.

Chimecho is probably the best immediate safe switch-in to Swalot, as it destroys Swalot with its STAB Psychic, but it really needs to be wary of Explosion. Haunter with Psychic is probably a better switch-in to Swalot for this reason alone, though it takes far more damage from Ice Beam than Chimecho does. Still, these two Pokemon and others like Venomoth can be kind of threatening for Swalot, making specially defensive Pokemon like Kecleon and Lickitung good teammates that can form an almost impenetrable defensive core together with Swalot.

Steel-types like Mawile and Metang are immune to Toxic and resist Ice Beam and Explosion, but they need to watch out for Counter. Mawile with Substitute, however, is particularly threatening for Swalot, and may force it to use Explosion or risk having it set up Swords Dance and Baton Passing to a teammate. Water- and Fire-types make good teammates for Swalot for this reason, Flareon in particular because it can pass Wish to Swalot on top of checking Mawile.

Rock-types not weak to Ice Beam like Sudowoodo and Relicanth can nail Swalot super effectively with Earthquake and resist Explosion, though they too have to be extremely wary of Counter. A Grass-type like Bellossom or Tangela can be a good teammate to have to switch into Earthquake anyway, and they enjoy having Swalot around to tank attacks from Murkrow and Pidgeot.

[SET]
name: Mixed RestTalk
move 1: Ice Beam / Sludge Bomb
move 2: Toxic / Hidden Power Ground
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Bold / Impish
evs: 252 HP / 84 Def / 172 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

A slightly different approach to Swalot, this set aims to do one thing: not faint, ever. Amazing mixed bulk, immunity to Toxic, and great longevity provided by RestTalk make this set extremely hard to take out, especially for balanced defensive teams. Ice Beam is Swalot's best general attacking move, as it sports good power and has no immunities, although Sludge Bomb can be used instead, as it has a good poison chance and hits slightly harder on neutral targets, in particular Hitmonchan, thanks to STAB, though at the cost of Swalot being completely walled by Steel-types if not also running Hidden Power Ground.

Toxic pairs best with Ice Beam to spread as much residual damage as possible and allows Swalot to outstall certain threats like Sableye and Flareon, which cannot do much in return thanks to Swalot's immunity to Toxic. Sludge Bomb + Toxic may be kind of redundant and leaves Swalot completely exposed to Steel-types and Rock-types with Substitute, meaning Hidden Power Ground is the better move to run when using Sludge Bomb. Yawn is a viable third option for the second slot, but it doesn't really allow Swalot to outstall other Pokemon except for the chance to put Chimecho or Lickitung with Heal Bell to sleep.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The EV spread and nature let Swalot avoid being 3HKOed by Timid Plusle's Thunderbolt and any of Choice Band Hitmonchan's attacks aside from Earthquake. There are a lot of moves that can be used in the first and second slots not mentioned above, and they depend largely on what your team needs. Counter is the most prominent and can ensure that Choice Band attackers think twice before trying to take out Swalot.

Spikes are a near must with this set, meaning Roselia and Glalie are good teammates to consider. Chimecho is particularly dangerous for this set, as it can set up Calm Mind or use Heal Bell in front of Swalot without it being able to do much in return. Haunter also doesn't care for much of anything Swalot does with this set. Lickitung, Sableye, or an offensive check like Murkrow or Kecleon is an almost required teammate due to this fact. Steel-, Ground-, and Rock-types have an easier time with this set as well, as they don't need to really watch out for Counter, Explosion, or Hidden Power Ground in most cases. Defensive teammates like Pelipper and Relicanth or offensive checks like Hitmonchan are therefore needed to ensure that Swalot isn't just complete setup bait for these Pokemon.

[Other Options]

Luckily for Swalot, its usable movepool is actually quite expansive. A specially attacking tank set is definitely viable, as Swalot has a decent base 73 Special Attack and a very nice special movepool with Ice Beam, Thunder Punch, Fire Punch, and Hidden Power Grass; the surprise moves Counter and Explosion can still make an appearance here too. A Choice Band set can also be done, as a Choice Band-boosted Explosion is absolutely ridiculous, and STAB Sludge Bomb is going to leave a huge mark in targets like Chimecho.

As for individual moves, Pain Split is Swalot's best chance at reliable recovery outside of Rest, but it's pretty hard to use considering Swalot's massive HP stat. Swalot gets both Sunny Day and Rain Dance; it can use either to good effect and get a weather sweeper in for free with Explosion. Sing can be used to put a target to sleep, but its accuracy sucks and Yawn is about as effective overall. A combination of Acid Armor and Amnesia can make Swalot nigh-impenetrable save for a critical hit, but they do nothing to prevent the opponent from setting up on Swalot as usual.

[Checks and Counters]

The best general switch-ins to Swalot are Chimecho and Haunter, the latter being probably better since it is immune to Explosion and 4x resists Sludge Bomb. Sableye is another great switch-in for the same reasons and can set up Calm Mind in front of Swalot, though it will need to watch out for Toxic. Otherwise, Steel-types like Mawile and Metang are probably the safest switch-ins to Swalot, as they resist Ice Beam and Explosion and are immune to Toxic. In general, anything with Earthquake like Piloswine, Graveler, Relicanth, or Whiscash will be effective against Swalot, though they must be prepared for Counter. In the same vein, Diglett can trap and nail Swalot with a Choice Band-boosted Earthquake, coming close to OHKOing the specially defensive set, but it will be only doing 68% at most to the physically defensive set. Setup sweepers like Dragon Dance Pupitar and Bulk Up Vigoroth definitely give Swalot some problems as well. Finally, immediately strong special or physical attackers like Rain Dance Huntail, Choice Band Kingler, and Abra will be able to plow through Swalot without many issues.
 
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acid armor/amnesia swalot is cool on teams based around toxic stalling. its really really hard to kill. also, where are you seeing that swalot learns earthquake? neither veekun nor bulbapedia list it as a move for swalot.
 

Oglemi

Borf
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acid armor/amnesia swalot is cool on teams based around toxic stalling. its really really hard to kill. also, where are you seeing that swalot learns earthquake? neither veekun nor bulbapedia list it as a move for swalot.
lol i tried HP Ground on Swalot when I was building teams and from memory I put Earthquake since it does get it in later gens. smh swalot
 

frenzyplant

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[Overview]

Swalot is straight up one of the best all-around defensive Pokemon in the NU tier, only really losing the title of "best defensive Pokemon" to Sableye, which hinges largely on the latter's access to Recover. A resistance to Fighting and relatively few weaknesses across the board make it even better on top of its already-incredible already incredible (I don't think adverb phrases are hyphenated) defensive stats, though the its (optional, for clarity) weakness to Ground sucks a lot. It also sports one of the best movepools in the tier, giving it a major edge over most other defensive Pokemon. By being a great check to Hitmonchan, disrupter to disrupting (for parallelism) stall tactics by the likes of Sableye and Roselia, and packing an atom bomb in Explosion, Swalot is an almost-must on balanced defensive teams.

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Ice Beam
move 2: Counter
move 3: Toxic / Yawn / ThunderPunch
move 4: Explosion
item: Leftovers
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

This set is one of the best physical walls around and sports only one physical weakness in Ground. With this set, Swalot becomes one of the best counters to Hitmonchan, giving it an almost-assured almost assured spot on many defensive teams. Ice Beam is used as the general attacking move, (comma) as it hits the Ground-types looking to switch into Swalot for super effective or neutral damage, as well as nailing the Flying- and Grass-types Swalot counters super effectively. Counter is a major move that sets Swalot apart from other defensive Pokemon like Chimecho and Sableye, giving it a tool to take a powerful physical attack and eliminating eliminate the opponent attacker in one turn.

Toxic is the best option in the third slot to allow Swalot to spread damage around defensive teams and forcing force Chimecho to switch in out to (is this what you mean? usually forcing something out is causing it to switch out, not switch in, so this was confusing at first) use Heal Bell or Rest. Yawn can be used to force switches, which works extra well with Spikes on the opponent's side of the field. Thunder Punch is another option for this slot to give Swalot amazing neutral coverage and hitting let it hit the Water-types that can otherwise tank Ice Beam super effectively. The last slot goes to Explosion, which gives Swalot another tool to take out the foe, opponent, and it's a great way to ensure that the opponent can't use Swalot as setup bait for a setup sweeper like Vigoroth.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

A fully physically defensive EV spread gives Swalot the ability to counter physical threats as well as possible, with a Relaxed nature used since Swalot's Speed is largely unimportant, and it doesn't weaken the power of either Ice Beam or Explosion. Physical attacks, such as Sludge Bomb and Hidden Power Ground, can be used over Ice Beam and Thunder Punch, but most of the physical threats that Swalot can counter have lower Special Defense (the major exception being Hitmonchan). Running a physical move instead also allows Swalot to run a neutral Speed nature, which can sometimes come in handy to get the Explosion off against a defensive Pokemon like Kecleon before getting hit.

Chimecho is probably the best immediate safe switch into switch-in to Swalot, as it destroys Swalot with it its STAB Psychic, but it really needs to be wary of Explosion. Haunter with Psychic is probably a better switch into switch-in to Swalot for this reason along, alone, though it takes far more damage from Ice Beam than Chimecho does. Still, these two Pokemon and others like Venomoth can be kinda kind of threatening for Swalot, making specially defensive Pokemon like Kecleon and Lickitung good teammates and can able to form an almost impenetrable defensive core together with Swalot.

Steel-types like Mawile and Metang are immune to Toxic and resist Ice Beam and Explosion, but they need to watch out for Counter. Mawile with Substitute, (comma) however, (comma) is particularly threatening for Swalot, and may force it to Explode or risk having it set up Swords Dance and Baton Passing to a teammate. Water- and Fire-types make good teammates for Swalot for this reason, Flareon in particular as because it can pass Wish to Swalot on top of checking Mawile.

Rock-types not weak to Ice Beam like Sudowoodo and Relicanth can nail Swalot super effectively with Earthquake and resist Explosion, though they too have to be extremely wary of Counter. A Grass-type like Bellossom or Tangela can be a good teammate to have to switch into Earthquake anyway, (comma) and they enjoy having Swalot around to tank attacks from the birds Murkrow and Pidgeot.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Sludge Bomb
move 2: Hidden Power Ground / Encore
move 3: Toxic / Yawn / Shadow Ball
move 4: Explosion
item: Leftovers
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Swalot can make a spectacular special wall, and it can Explode on the only special sweeper that really scares it, Chimecho. It's also one of the few Pokemon that's not 2HKOed by Rain Dance Huntail, assuming it is running Surf over Hydro Pump, but here again if things go south Swalot can Explode on it as well. Physical attacks like Sludge Bomb and Hidden Power Ground are preferred with a specially defensive spread as most special attackers tend to have a lower Defense stat, which is particularly true of most of the Grass-types save for Tangela.

Encore can be used over Hidden Power Ground to disrupt the opponent and can lock them a foe into a useless move like Toxic and to force switches. Toxic is the best option in the third slot to allow Swalot to spread damage around defensive teams, though it may be a bit redundant with the poison chance from Sludge Bomb. Yawn can be used to force switches and works super well with Spikes on the opponent's side of the field. Shadow Ball is another good option for the third slot to complete Swalot's neutral coverage with Sludge Bomb and Hidden Power Ground, and it destroys Haunter and is a good hit on Chimecho without having to resort to Explosion. The last slot goes to Explosion, which gives Swalot a near guaranteed way to take out the foe opponent, and it is a good way to ensure the opponent can't use Swalot as setup bait.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Specially defensive Swalot is one of the best counters, if not the best counter, to Grass-types in the tier, due largely to its massive bulk, resistance to both Grass and Poison, and ability Liquid Ooze which that punishes the use of Leech Seed. Max ("maximum" or "full" or something) Special Defense is the preferred EV spread to allow Swalot the best possible chance of tanking an attack from Huntail and being able to retaliate in some manner.

Special attacks like Ice Beam and Thunder Punch can be used over Sludge Bomb and Hidden Power Ground, and doing so comes with the benefit of being able to hit Tangela, Huntail, and Seadra super effectively in targeting their weaker defensive stat, but the stronger hit on most other special attackers in the tier is more desired. Chimecho and Haunter are probably the safest switches into Swalot, though the former needs to be really careful of Explosion and the Swalot's specially defensive set may just be luring it in for that exact reason. Regardless, Pokemon that can take them on like Kecleon and Murkrow can be used to switch into and take them out.

Steel- and Rock-types have a harder time switching consistently into Hidden Power Ground, but they have an almost free switch into Sludge Bomb, meaning a physically defensive Pokemon like Whiscash and Mawile can be good teammates to take them on. Physically defensive Lickitung makes a good teammate in particular, (comma) as Swalot can easily switch into most Hitmonchan variants for it and Lickitung takes on most other physical attackers for Swalot in return.

[SET]
name: Mixed RestTalk
move 1: Ice Beam / Sludge Bomb
move 2: Toxic / Hidden Power Ground
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Bold / Impish
evs: 252 HP / 84 Def / 172 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

A slightly different approach to Swalot, this set aims to do one thing: not die faint, ever. (technically the other sets don't ever die, either) Amazing mixed bulk, immunity to Toxic, and great longevity provided by RestTalk make this set extremely hard to take out, especially for opposing balanced defensive teams. Ice Beam is Swalot's overall best general attacking move, (comma) as it sports good power and has no immunities, although Sludge Bomb can be used instead, (comma) as it has a good poison chance and hits slightly harder on neutral targets thanks to STAB, in particular Hitmonchan, and as a good poison chance, though at the cost of Swalot being completely walled by Steel-types if not also running Hidden Power Ground.

Toxic pairs best with Ice Beam to spread as much residual damage as possible and allows Swalot to outstall certain threats like Sableye and Flareon, who which cannot do much in return thanks to Swalot's own immunity to Toxic. Sludge Bomb + Toxic may be kind of redundant and leaves Swalot completely exposed to Steel-types and Rock-types with Substitute, meaning Hidden Power Ground is a good the better (?) move to run when using Sludge Bomb. Yawn is a viable third option for the second slot, but it doesn't really allow Swalot to outstall other opponents Pokemon except for the chance to put Chimecho or Lickitung with Heal Bell to sleep.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The EV spread and nature avoids lets Swalot avoid the 3HKO from any attack, aside from Earthquake, from Choice Band Hitmonchan; it also avoids the 3HKO from Timid Plusle's Thunderbolt. There are a lot of moves that can be used with the first and second slot not already mentioned above, and it depends they depend largely on what your team needs. Counter is the most prominent not mentioned above, (remove comma) and can ensure that Choice Band attackers think twice before trying to take out Swalot.

Spikes are a near must to be used with this set, meaning Roselia and Glalie are good teammates. ("Roselia or Glalie is a good teammate"?) Chimecho is particularly dangerous for this set as it can set up Calm Mind or use Heal Bell in front of Swalot without it being able to do much in return. Haunter also doesn't care for much of anything Swalot does with this set. Lickitung or Sableye are is an almost required teammates due to this fact, or offensive checks like Murkrow and Kecleon.

Steel-, Ground-, and Rock-types have an easier time with this set as well, as they don't need to really watch out for Counter or Hidden Power Ground, and of course Explosion as well, in most cases, and of course Explosion as well. Defensive teammates like Pelipper and Relicanth or offensive checks like Hitmonchan are therefore needed teammates, or offensive checks like Hitmonchan, to ensure that Swalot isn't just complete setup bait for these Pokemon.

[Other Options]

Luckily for Swalot, its usable movepool is actually quite expansive. A specially attacking tank set is definitely viable, (comma) as Swalot has a decent base 73 Special Attack and a very nice special movepool in with Ice Beam, Thunder Punch, Fire Punch, and Hidden Power Grass; the surprise moves Counter and Explosion can still make an appearance here too. A Choice Band set can also be done, (comma) as a Choice Band-boosted Explosion is absolutely ridiculous, and a STAB Sludge Bomb is going to leave a huge mark in targets like Chimecho.

As for individual moves, Pain Split is Swalot's best chance at reliable recovery outside of Rest, but it's pretty hard to use considering Swalot's massive HP stat. Swalot gets both Sunny Day and Rain Dance and can use both to good effect and get a weather sweeper in for free with Explosion. Sing can be done used to put an opponent a target to sleep, but the its accuracy sucks and Yawn is about as effective overall. A combination of Acid Armor and Amnesia can make Swalot nigh-impenetrable save for a critical hit, but they do nothing to prevent the opponent from setting up on Swalot as usual.

[Checks and Counters]

The best general switch-ins to Swalot are Chimecho and Haunter, the latter probably more so as better since it is immune to Explosion and 4x resists Sludge Bomb. Sableye is another great switch-in for these reasons and can set up Calm Mind in front of Swalot, though it will need to watch out for Toxic. Otherwise, Steel-types like Mawile and Metang are probably the safest switch-ins to Swalot, as they resist Ice Beam, are immune to Toxic, and resist Explosion as well. In general, anything with Earthquake like Piloswine, Graveler, Relicanth, and Whiscash will be effective against Swalot, though they must be prepared for Counter. In the same vein, Diglett can trap and nail Swalot with a Choice Band-boosted Earthquake, coming close to OHKOing the specially defensive set, but it will be only doing 68% damage at most max to the physically defensive set, though it comes close to OHKOing the specially defensive set. (optional move so as not to switch from positive to negative to positive) Setup sweepers like Dragon Dance Pupitar and Bulk Up Vigoroth will definitely give Swalot some problems as well. Finally, immediately strong special or physical attackers like Rain Dance Huntail, Choice Band Kingler, and Abra will be able to plow through Swalot without many issues.
 

Bughouse

Like ships in the night, you're passing me by
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surely spdef swalot should be the first, if not only set here...
 

Oglemi

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Implemented and moved specially defensive to the front but definitely leaving the other two sets as they are more than viable, just outclassed by sableye
 

cityscapes

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now with better colors

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http://www.smogon.com/rs/pokemon/swalot

[Overview]

Swalot has some of the best defenses in the NU tier and only really loses the title of "best defensive Pokemon" to Sableye, which hinges largely on the latter's access to Recover. Unfortunately, that also means that due to Sableye's presence, Swalot's viability in the tier is almost invalidated, despite sporting way better base stats and a much more colorful movepool. Even though Swalot's somewhat outclassed, its resistance to Fighting and relatively few weaknesses across the board make it a decent choice for balanced defensive teams. By being a great check to Hitmonchan, disrupting stall tactics by the likes of Sableye and Roselia, and packing an atom bomb in Explosion, Swalot performs amicably in the tier and has a place on balanced teams that need to condense roles in a couple of Pokemon.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Sludge Bomb
move 2: Hidden Power Ground / Encore
move 3: Toxic / Yawn / Shadow Ball
move 4: Explosion
item: Leftovers
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Swalot can make a spectacular special wall, and it can Explode on the only special sweeper that really scares it, Chimecho. It's also one of the few Pokemon that's not 2HKOed by Rain Dance Huntail, assuming it is running Surf over Hydro Pump, but here again if things go south Swalot can Explode on it as well. Physical attacks like Sludge Bomb and Hidden Power Ground are preferred with a specially defensive spread as most special attackers tend to have a lower Defense stat, which is particularly true of most of the Grass-types save for Tangela.

Encore can be used over Hidden Power Ground to disrupt the opponent and can lock the foe into a useless move like Toxic to force switches. swalot is a pretty slow mon and nothing is gonna toxic it. maybe mention recover here? Toxic is the best option in the third slot to allow Swalot to spread damage around defensive teams, though it may be a bit redundant with the poison chance from Sludge Bomb. Yawn can be used to force switches and works super well with Spikes on the opponent's side of the field. Shadow Ball is another good option for the third slot to complete Swalot's neutral coverage with Sludge Bomb and Hidden Power Ground, and it destroys allows Swalot to destroy Haunter and is a good hit on Chimecho without having to resort to Explosion. swalot is resorting to explosion, not shadow ball. "is a good hit" is too colloquial The last slot goes to Explosion, which gives Swalot a near guaranteed way to take out the foe and a good way to ensure the opponent can't use Swalot as setup bait.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Specially defensive Swalot is one of, if not the, best counters to Grass-types in the tier, due largely to its massive bulk, resistance to both Grass and Poison, and ability Liquid Ooze, (AC) that which punishes the use of Leech Seed. "ability that punishes the use of leech seed" refers to all abilities with the capability to punish the use of leech seed. "which" draws attention to liquid ooze in particular Max Special Defense is the preferred EV spread to allow Swalot the best possible chance of tanking an attack from Huntail and being able to retaliate in some manner.

Special attacks like Ice Beam and Thunder Punch can be used over Sludge Bomb and Hidden Power Ground, and doing so comes with the benefit of being able to hit Tangela, Huntail, and Seadra super effectively by targeting their weaker defensive stat, but the stronger hit on most other special attackers in the tier is more desired. Chimecho and Haunter are probably the safest switches into Swalot, though the former needs to be really careful of Explosion and Swalot's specially defensive set may just be luring it in for that exact reason. Regardless, Pokemon that can take them on like Kecleon and Murkrow can be used to switch into and take them out.

Steel- and Rock-types have a harder time switching consistently into Hidden Power Ground, but they have an almost free switch into Sludge Bomb, meaning physically defensive Pokemon like Wailord and Mawile can be good teammates to take them on. Physically defensive Lickitung makes a good teammate in particular, as Swalot can easily switch into most Hitmonchan variants for it and Lickitung takes on most other physical attackers for Swalot in return.

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Ice Beam
move 2: Counter
move 3: Toxic / Yawn / Thunder Punch
move 4: Explosion
item: Leftovers
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

This set is one of the best physical walls around and sports only one physical weakness in Ground. With this set, Swalot becomes one of the best counters to Hitmonchan, giving it an almost assured spot on many defensive teams, if Sableye doesn't fit on your team anyway. Ice Beam is used as the general attacking move, as it hits the Ground-types looking to switch into Swalot for super effective or neutral damage, as well as nailing the Flying- and Grass-types that Swalot counters super effectively. Counter is a major move that sets Swalot apart from other defensive Pokemon like Chimecho and Sableye, giving it a tool to take a powerful physical attack and eliminate the attacker in one turn.

Toxic is the best option in the third slot to allow Swalot to spread damage around defensive teams and force Chimecho to switch out or use Heal Bell or Rest. Yawn can be used to force switches, which works extra well with Spikes on the opponent's side of the field. Thunder Punch is another option for this slot to give Swalot amazing neutral coverage and let it hit the Water-types that can otherwise tank Ice Beam super effectively. The last slot goes to Explosion, which gives Swalot another tool to take out the foe and it's a great way to ensure that the opponent can't use Swalot as setup bait for a setup sweeper like Vigoroth.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

A fully physically defensive EV spread gives Swalot the ability to counter physical threats as well as possible, with a Relaxed nature used since Swalot's Speed is largely unimportant, and it doesn't weaken the power of either Ice Beam or Explosion. Physical attacks, such as Sludge Bomb and Hidden Power Ground, can be used over Ice Beam and Thunder Punch, but most of the physical threats that Swalot can counter have lower Special Defense (the major exception being Hitmonchan). Running a physical move instead also allows Swalot to run a neutral Speed nature, which can sometimes come in handy to get the Explosion off against a defensive Pokemon like Kecleon before getting hit.

Chimecho is probably the best immediate safe switch-in to Swalot, as it destroys Swalot with its STAB Psychic, but it really needs to be wary of Explosion. Haunter with Psychic is probably a better switch-in to Swalot for this reason alone, though it takes far more damage from Ice Beam than Chimecho does. Still, these two Pokemon and others like Venomoth can be kind of threatening for Swalot, making specially defensive Pokemon like Kecleon and Lickitung good teammates able to form an almost impenetrable defensive core together with Swalot.

Steel-types like Mawile and Metang are immune to Toxic and resist Ice Beam and Explosion, but they need to watch out for Counter. Mawile with Substitute, (RC) however, (RC) is particularly threatening for Swalot, and may force it to Explode or risk having it set up Swords Dance and Baton Passing to a teammate. you already mentioned how these mons are threatening so "however" is redundant. if you want to emphasize how threatening mawile is maybe use "in particular" Water- and Fire-types make good teammates for Swalot for this reason, (RC) ; Flareon in particular works well because it can pass Wish to Swalot on top of checking Mawile.

Rock-types not weak to Ice Beam like Sudowoodo and Relicanth can nail Swalot super effectively with Earthquake and resist Explosion, though they too have to be extremely wary of Counter. A Grass-type like Bellossom or Tangela can be a good teammate to have to switch into Earthquake anyway, and they enjoy having Swalot around to tank attacks from the birds Flying-types Murkrow and Pidgeot.

[SET]
name: Mixed RestTalk
move 1: Ice Beam / Sludge Bomb
move 2: Toxic / Hidden Power Ground
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Bold / Impish
evs: 252 HP / 84 Def / 172 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

A slightly different approach to Swalot, this set aims to do one thing: not faint, ever. Amazing mixed bulk, immunity to Toxic, and great longevity provided by RestTalk make this set extremely hard to take out, especially for opposing balanced defensive teams. Ice Beam is Swalot's overall best general attacking move, as it sports good power and has no immunities, although Sludge Bomb can be used instead, as it has a good poison chance and hits slightly harder on neutral targets thanks to STAB, in particular Hitmonchan, though at the cost of Swalot being completely walled by Steel-types if not also running Hidden Power Ground.

Toxic pairs best with Ice Beam to spread as much residual damage as possible and allows Swalot to outstall certain threats like Sableye and Flareon, which cannot do much in return thanks to Swalot's own immunity to Toxic. Sludge Bomb + Toxic may be kind of redundant and leaves Swalot completely exposed to Steel-types and Rock-types with Substitute, meaning Hidden Power Ground is the better move to run when using Sludge Bomb. Yawn is a viable third option for the second slot, but it doesn't really allow Swalot to outstall other Pokemon except for the chance to put Chimecho or Lickitung with Heal Bell to sleep.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The EV spread and nature lets Swalot avoid the 3HKO from any attack, aside from Earthquake, from Choice Band Hitmonchan; it also avoids the 3HKO from Timid Plusle's Thunderbolt. There are a lot of moves that can be used with the first and second slot not already mentioned above, and they depend largely on what your team needs. Counter is the most prominent not mentioned above and can ensure that Choice Band attackers think twice before trying to take out Swalot.

Spikes are a near must with this set, meaning setters such as Roselia and Glalie are good teammates to consider. i think it's important to mention why swalot's synergy with spikes makes roselia/glalie good teammates Chimecho is particularly dangerous for this set as it can set up Calm Mind or use Heal Bell in front of Swalot without it being able to do much in return. Haunter also doesn't care for much of anything Swalot does with this set. Lickitung or Sableye is an almost required teammate due to this fact, or offensive checks like Murkrow and Kecleon. Steel-, Ground-, and Rock-types have an easier time with this set as well, as they don't need to really watch out for Counter, Explosion, or Hidden Power Ground in most cases. Defensive teammates like Pelipper and Relicanth or offensive checks like Hitmonchan are therefore needed teammates to ensure that Swalot isn't just complete setup bait for these Pokemon.

[Other Options]

Luckily for Swalot, its usable movepool is actually quite expansive. A specially attacking tank set is definitely viable, as Swalot has a decent base 73 Special Attack and a very nice special movepool with Ice Beam, Thunder Punch, Fire Punch, and Hidden Power Grass; the surprise moves Counter and Explosion can still make an appearance here too. A Choice Band set can also be done, as a Choice Band-boosted Explosion is absolutely ridiculous, and STAB Sludge Bomb is going to leave a huge mark in targets like Chimecho.

As for individual moves, Pain Split is Swalot's best chance at reliable recovery outside of Rest, but it's pretty hard to use considering Swalot's massive HP stat. Swalot gets both Sunny Day and Rain Dance and can use both to good effect and get a weather sweeper in for free with Explosion. Sing can be used to put a target to sleep, but its accuracy sucks and Yawn is about as effective overall. A combination of Acid Armor and Amnesia can make Swalot nigh-impenetrable save for a critical hit, but they do nothing to prevent the opponent foe from setting up on Swalot as usual.
what are the drawbacks of the weather setter and choice sets?

[Checks and Counters]

The best general switch-ins to Swalot are Chimecho and Haunter, the latter probably better since it is immune to Explosion and 4x resists Sludge Bomb. Sableye is another great switch-in for these reasons and can set up Calm Mind in front of Swalot, though it will need to watch out for Toxic. Otherwise Besides these Pokemon, Steel-types like Mawile and Metang are probably the safest switch-ins to Swalot, as they resist Ice Beam, are immune to Toxic, and resist Explosion as well. otherwise is used for events: "if x happens do y, otherwise do z" In general, anything with Earthquake like Piloswine, Graveler, Relicanth, and Whiscash will be effective against Swalot, though they must be prepared for Counter. In the same vein, Diglett can trap and nail Swalot with a Choice Band-boosted Earthquake, coming close to OHKOing the specially defensive set, but it will be only doing 68% damage at most to the physically defensive set. Setup sweepers like Dragon Dance Pupitar and Bulk Up Vigoroth definitely give Swalot some problems as well. how do they do this? Finally, immediately strong special or physical attackers like Rain Dance Huntail, Choice Band Kingler, and Abra will be able to plow through Swalot without many issues.
 

GP 2/2
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[Overview]

Swalot has some of the best defenses in the NU tier and only really loses the title of "best defensive Pokemon" to Sableye, which hinges largely on the latter's access to Recover. Unfortunately, that also means that due to Sableye's presence, Swalot's viability in the tier is almost invalidated, (comma) despite it sporting way better base stats and a much more colorful movepool. Even though Swalot's somewhat outclassed, ("somewhat outclassed" is at odds with earlier's "almost invalidated") its resistance to Fighting and relatively few weaknesses across the board make it a decent choice for balanced defensive teams. By being a great check to Hitmonchan, disrupting stall tactics by the likes of Sableye and Roselia, and packing an atom bomb in Explosion, Swalot performs amicably in the tier and has a place on balanced teams that need to condense roles into a couple of Pokemon.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Sludge Bomb
move 2: Hidden Power Ground / Encore
move 3: Toxic / Yawn / Shadow Ball
move 4: Explosion
item: Leftovers
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

Swalot can make a spectacular special wall, (comma) and it can Explode use Explosion on the only special sweeper that really scares it, Chimecho. It's also one of the few Pokemon that's not 2HKOed by Rain Dance Huntail, assuming it is running Surf over Hydro Pump, but here again even if things go south, (comma) Swalot can Explode use Explosion on it as well. Physical attacks like Sludge Bomb and Hidden Power Ground are preferred with a specially defensive spread as because most special attackers tend to have a lower Defense stat, which is particularly true of most of the Grass-types save for Tangela.

Encore can be used over Hidden Power Ground to disrupt the opponent and can lock the foe into a useless move like Toxic to force switches. Toxic is the best option in the third slot to allow Swalot to spread damage around defensive teams, though it may be a bit redundant with the poison chance from Sludge Bomb. Yawn can be used to force switches and works super well with Spikes on the opponent's side of the field. Shadow Ball is another good option for the third slot to complete Swalot's neutral coverage with Sludge Bomb and Hidden Power Ground, and it destroys Haunter, (comma) and is land a good hit on Chimecho without having to resort to Explosion. The last slot goes to Explosion, which gives Swalot a nearly guaranteed way to take out the foe and a good way to ensures the opponent can't use Swalot as setup bait.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Specially defensive Swalot is one of, if not the, best counters to Grass-types in the tier, due largely to its massive bulk, resistance to both Grass and Poison, and ability Liquid Ooze ability, the latter of which that punishes the use of Leech Seed. Maximum Special Defense is the preferred EV spread to allow Swalot the best possible chance of tanking an attack from Huntail and being able to retaliate in some manner.

Special attacks like Ice Beam and Thunder Punch can be used over Sludge Bomb and Hidden Power Ground, and doing so comes with the benefit of being able to hit Tangela, Huntail, and Seadra super effectively while targeting their weaker defensive stat, but the stronger hits on most other special attackers in the tier is are more desired. Chimecho and Haunter are probably the safest switches into Swalot, though the former needs to be really careful of Explosion and Swalot's specially defensive set may just be luring it in for that exact reason. Regardless, Pokemon that can take them on like Kecleon and Murkrow can be used to switch into and take KO them out.

Steel- and Rock-types have a harder time switching consistently switching into Hidden Power Ground, but they have an almost free switch into Sludge Bomb, meaning physically defensive Pokemon like Wailord and Mawile can be good teammates to take them on. Physically defensive Lickitung makes a good teammate in particular, as Swalot can easily switch into most Hitmonchan variants for it and Lickitung takes on most other physical attackers for Swalot in return.

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Ice Beam
move 2: Counter
move 3: Toxic / Yawn / Thunder Punch
move 4: Explosion
item: Leftovers
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

This set is one of the best physical walls around and sports only one physical weakness in Ground. With this set, Swalot becomes one of the best counters to Hitmonchan, giving it an almost assured spot on many defensive teams, (comma) if Sableye doesn't fit on your team anyway. Ice Beam is used as the general attacking move, as it hits the Ground-types looking to switch into Swalot for super effective or neutral damage, (comma) as well as nailing and nails the Flying- and Grass-types that Swalot counters super effectively. Counter is a major move that sets Swalot apart from other defensive Pokemon like Chimecho and Sableye, giving it a tool to take a powerful physical attack and eliminate the attacker in one turn.

Toxic is the best option in the third slot to allow Swalot to spread damage around defensive teams and force Chimecho to switch out or use Heal Bell or Rest. Yawn can be used to force switches, which works extra well with Spikes on the opponent's side of the field. Thunder Punch is another option for this slot to give Swalot amazing neutral coverage and let it hit the Water-types that can otherwise tank Ice Beam super effectively. The last slot goes to Explosion, which gives Swalot another tool to take out the foe and it's is a great way to ensure that the opponent can't use Swalot as setup bait for a setup sweeper like Vigoroth.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

A fully physically defensive EV spread gives Swalot the ability to counter physical threats as well as possible, with a Relaxed nature used since because Swalot's Speed is largely unimportant, (comma) and it doesn't weaken the power of either Ice Beam or Explosion. Physical attacks, (comma) such as Sludge Bomb and Hidden Power Ground, (comma) can be used over Ice Beam and Thunder Punch, but most of the physical threats that Swalot can counter have lower Special Defense (the major exception being Hitmonchan). Running a physical move instead also allows Swalot to run a neutral Speed-neutral nature, which can sometimes come in handy to get the Explosion off against a defensive Pokemon like Kecleon before getting hit.

Chimecho is probably the best immediate safe switch-in to Swalot, as it destroys Swalot with its STAB Psychic, but it really needs to be wary of Explosion. Haunter with Psychic is probably a better switch-in to Swalot for this reason alone, though it takes far more damage from Ice Beam than Chimecho does. Still, these two Pokemon and others like Venomoth can be kind of threatening for Swalot, making specially defensive Pokemon like Kecleon and Lickitung good teammates able to that can form an almost impenetrable defensive core together with Swalot.

Steel-types like Mawile and Metang are immune to Toxic and resist Ice Beam and Explosion, but they need to watch out for Counter. Mawile with Substitute, however, is particularly threatening for Swalot, and may force it to Explode use Explosion or risk having it set up Swords Dance and Baton Passing pass the boost to a teammate. Water- and Fire-types make good teammates for Swalot for this reason, Flareon in particular because it can pass Wish to Swalot on top of checking Mawile.

Rock-types not weak to Ice Beam like Sudowoodo and Relicanth can nail Swalot super effectively with Earthquake and resist Explosion, though they too have to be extremely wary of Counter. A Grass-type like Bellossom or Tangela can be a good teammate to have to switch into Earthquake anyway, and they enjoy having Swalot around to tank attacks from the birds Murkrow and Pidgeot.

[SET]
name: Mixed RestTalk
move 1: Ice Beam / Sludge Bomb
move 2: Toxic / Hidden Power Ground
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Bold / Impish
evs: 252 HP / 84 Def / 172 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

A slightly different approach to Swalot, this set aims to do one thing: not faint, ever. Amazing mixed bulk, immunity to Toxic, and great longevity provided by RestTalk make this set extremely hard to take out, especially for opposing balanced defensive teams. Ice Beam is Swalot's overall best general attacking move, as it sports good power and has no immunities, although Sludge Bomb can be used instead, as it has a good poison chance and hits slightly harder on neutral targets thanks to STAB, in particular Hitmonchan, though at the cost of Swalot being completely walled by Steel-types if not also running Hidden Power Ground.

Toxic pairs best with Ice Beam to spread as much residual damage as possible and allows Swalot to outstall certain threats like Sableye and Flareon, which cannot do much in return thanks to Swalot's own immunity to Toxic. Sludge Bomb + Toxic may be kind of redundant and leaves Swalot completely exposed to Steel-types and Rock-types with Substitute, meaning Hidden Power Ground is the better move to run when using Sludge Bomb. Yawn is a viable third option for the second slot, but it doesn't really allow Swalot to outstall other Pokemon except for the chance to put Chimecho or Lickitung with Heal Bell to sleep.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The EV spread and nature lets Swalot avoid the 3HKO from any attack, aside from Earthquake, from Choice Band Hitmonchan; it also avoids the 3HKO from Timid Plusle's Thunderbolt being 3HKOed by Timid Plusle's Thunderbolt and any of Choice Band Hitmonchan's attacks aside from Earthquake. There are a lot of moves that can be used with in the first and second slots not already mentioned above, and they depend largely on what your team needs. Counter is the most prominent not mentioned above and can ensure that Choice Band attackers think twice before trying to take out Swalot.

Spikes are a near must with this set, meaning Roselia and Glalie are good teammates to consider. Chimecho is particularly dangerous for this set, (comma) as it can set up Calm Mind or use Heal Bell in front of Swalot without it being able to do much in return. Haunter also doesn't care for much of anything Swalot does with this set. Lickitung, (comma) or Sableye, (comma) or an offensive check like Murkrow or Kecleon is an almost required teammate due to this fact, or offensive checks like Murkrow and Kecleon. Steel-, Ground-, and Rock-types have an easier time with this set as well, as they don't need to really watch out for Counter, Explosion, or Hidden Power Ground in most cases. Defensive teammates like Pelipper and Relicanth or offensive checks like Hitmonchan are therefore needed teammates to ensure that Swalot isn't just complete setup bait for these Pokemon.

[Other Options]

Luckily for Swalot, its usable movepool is actually quite expansive. A specially attacking tank set is definitely viable, as Swalot has a decent base 73 Special Attack and a very nice special movepool with Ice Beam, Thunder Punch, Fire Punch, and Hidden Power Grass; the surprise moves Counter and Explosion can still make an appearance here too. A Choice Band set can also be done, as a Choice Band-boosted Explosion is absolutely ridiculous, and STAB Sludge Bomb is going to leave a huge mark in targets like Chimecho.

As for individual moves, Pain Split is Swalot's best chance at reliable recovery outside of Rest, but it's pretty hard to use considering Swalot's massive HP stat. Swalot gets both Sunny Day and Rain Dance; (semi) and it can use both either to good effect and get a weather sweeper in for free with Explosion. Sing can be used to put a target to sleep, but its accuracy sucks and Yawn is about as effective overall. A combination of Acid Armor and Amnesia can make Swalot nigh-impenetrable save for a critical hit, but they do nothing to prevent the opponent from setting up on Swalot as usual.

[Checks and Counters]

The best general switch-ins to Swalot are Chimecho and Haunter, the latter being probably better since it is immune to Explosion and 4x resists Sludge Bomb. Sableye is another great switch-in for these the same reasons and can set up Calm Mind in front of Swalot, though it will need to watch out for Toxic. Otherwise, Steel-types like Mawile and Metang are probably the safest switch-ins to Swalot, as they resist Ice Beam, (comma) and Explosion and are immune to Toxic, and resist Explosion as well. In general, anything with Earthquake like Piloswine, Graveler, Relicanth, and or Whiscash will be effective against Swalot, though they it must be prepared for Counter. In the same vein, Diglett can trap and nail Swalot with a Choice Band-boosted Earthquake, coming close to OHKOing the specially defensive set, but it will be only doing 68% damage at most to the physically defensive set. Setup sweepers like Dragon Dance Pupitar and Bulk Up Vigoroth definitely give Swalot some problems as well. Finally, immediately strong special or physical attackers like Rain Dance Huntail, Choice Band Kingler, and Abra will be able to plow through Swalot without many issues.
 
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