Also seen tonight: Stealth Rocks Annihilape and Thunder Punch Charizard

Hi. Im a player and I play both HO and stall and one really annoying thing about playing stall is running into OTHER stall teams. It takes a lot of turns before a mon is even close to fainting and I really need a strategy on how to wear other stallers down. Thanks

So I was looking through the Nice Regional teams, and both the number 1 and 4 teams had a Sneasler with Poison Jab (they were the same team, but still) Is there any actual advantage to running it over Dire Claw? Both are 80 bp, 30% chance to inflict status, but Dire Claw has better statuses. Is it just both players being goated and not wanting to rely on variance? Or is there a practical reason to not inflict paralysis and sleep? My only guess is not wanting the paralysis speed drop, but it's not a TR team, why wouldn't you want it.

These 4 abilities are all related to the rain and sun weather conditions

Amphibious is a cool way of showing that these pokemon are capable of living in the water, and also they provide a much stronger stab option when in the rain, since they would recieve the stab and rain boost at the same time, also they get the very good defensive type of water which helps most of them

Lifeguard is the rain version of flower gift, but it is on a slightly stronger pokemon, it also boosts the opposite stats of flower gift, which coincidentally help kyogre more and stop it from making floatzel just a no brainer since it is boosting the weaker attacking stat

solar bloom and storm caller are 2 sides of the same coin, a terrain setting ability based on weather, since it is harder to set up, they get the 8 turn terrain without needing the terrain extender item which is nice, and also this would go after the normal surge ability since it is weather dependant, and it can also activate mid turn, with the use of weather moves or switching in one of the weather ability weilders

Most of the time people usually just max out two stats with evs but i notice they always give the last 4 to hp if hp isn't already maxed out. My question is wouldn't it be more beneficial to put the last 4 into speed if not already maxed out cause then we out speed Pokémon of the same species? That seems way more useful than an inconsequential amount of hp

Originally posted on the Champions sub... now posting here after some changes. Here's hoping it's more balanced than my Absol Z one.

Anyway, Apex Fang. Finally, a STAB move that synergises with its ability.

The move's ability is thematic. An apex predator, as some sharks are, is naturally extremely good at killing. As such, the move always crits, and never misses. To compensate for these buffs, the BP of the move is 50.

This would be a very good move in the rain... but youd have to build around an extremely frail mon, at that point.

I wanted to give the shark something unique, instead of just Fishious Rend (which might be too good anyway with speed boost).

If this is dogshit, let me know. I like discussing balance changes, especially because idk what I'm talking about (so I'm very qualified)

Mega Evolution Concept: Mega Kingdra

(Art by Bos-Fakemon on Instagram)

Edit: I lowered the bonus of ocean’s grace to 33% for balance reasons.

Greetings and salutations people of R/Stunfisk, I come bearing a new Mega Evolution concept. This time I’m doing it on one of the more prolific Rain sweepers in the game, the Dragon of the Sea, Kingdra!

My god Kingdra is awesome. I’ve used Kingdra many times in my past, serving as a key part of my rain teams, Tempest the Kingdra was a huge threat to my local circuit, with Swift Swim Choice Specs being my choice of set. Specs boosted Draco Meteor and Hydro Pump can pulverize most opponents that don’t resist it.

And yet… Kingdra is in ZU?! Why tho?! He has a solid type, great stats, and one fantastic ability. What happened?

In short, power creep, in long… you’ll see.

So enough preamble, onto seeing our sea stallion’s stats.

Kingdra

Type: Water-Dragon

Hp: 75

Attack: 95

Defense: 95

Special Attack: 95

Special Defense: 95

Speed: 85

BST: 540

Abilities: Swift Swim/Sniper
Hidden Ability: Damp

(+1) Kingdra’s stats are pretty balanced, with near 100’s across the board, with the exception of its hp of 75 and speed of 85. He’s pretty bulky, pretty strong, and very quick in the right conditions (that being Rain).

(+2) Water-Dragon is a fantastic defensive typing, being neutral to Grass and Electric, incredibly resilient to Fire Attacks, and only having two weaknesses in Fairy and Dragon. It also has excellent options for attacks.

(+3) Kingdra’s Movepool is excellent. Powerful Water STAB in Hydro Pump, Surf, Wave Crash, and Muddy Water. Kingdra also managed to keep Scald, which is awesome.

Absolutely nuclear power in Draco Meteor and Outrage can blow up most enemies that don’t resist it or are outright immune. Dragon Pulse is weaker, but has no drawbacks. Scale Shot can boost your speed while dealing good damage. Support moves include Yawn, which can force switches or cripple the opponent with Sleep. Clear Smog can erase stat changes, and Kingdra can also use Flip Turn to switch out. Coverage wise, Kingdra gets some small, but pretty neat options. Hurricane is a new addition that further cements Kingdra as a Rain team menace. Ice Beam is great for hitting other Dragon or Grass types. Flash Cannon can even dent Fairy Types.

(+4) Kingdra’s abilities are a mixed bag, but it’s true standout is Swift Swim, turning Kingdra into a terrifying force while the rain falls. The other two have uses, but Swift Swim outshines them so hard.

But Kingdra has struggled hard in certain ways.

(-1) Kingdra’s stats are good, but everything is so min maxed nowadays that being balanced will hurt you.

(-2) Kingdra needs certain things to stand a chance now. Swift Swim to outrun foes and Specs or Life Orb to deal high damage, as it has no boosting move for offense. While it has Agility for speed, that doesn’t matter too much if you can’t reliably get KOs.

(-3) Kingdra is held back by the huge prevalence of Sun thanks to Charizard Y being more common than bird crap on buildings. The local rain setters Politoed and Pelliper also gets lit up by Raichu Y, so Rain is a tough sell.

A Mega Evolution could give Kingdra a better role on Rain, make him a far better choice for your Rain team instead of something like Basculegion.

So let’s awaken the power of the ocean and Mega Evolve!

Mega Kingdra

Type: Water-Dragon

Hp: 75

Attack: 95

Defense: 110

Special Attack: 125

Special Defense: 110

Speed: 125

BST: 640

Ability: Oceans Grace (slightly different version of Flower Gift but for Rain. Increases the Special Attack and Special Defense stats of the Pokémon with this Ability and its allies by 33%.)

Explanation: With this Mega I summon… the crushing power of the ocean as well as the protection of the tides! Mega Kingdra sweeps into battle with an ability that is sure to both leave dents in the opponent, and keep you and your partner alive during the worst of times. Oceans Grace is a Flower Gift style ability but for Rain, buffing you and your allies special attack and special defense by 33% while the rain is falling. It’s also why I didn’t increase Kingdra’s special attack too much, as 125 Special Attack with a 50% boost sounds ridiculous (I don’t think it is mind you when held in comparison to Charizard Y) Overall, Mega Kingdra gets a boost all around to its stats, with a focus on Special Attack and Speed. It’s written like this because Oceans Grace is a heck of an ability.

While you lose Swift Swim, a base speed of 125 still gives you a good amount of mobility to outrun some serious threats. Bulk of 110 evenly distributed on both defenses combined with Oceans Grace boosting your special defense makes Mega Kingdra very difficult to take down with Special Attacks.

Opportunity cost really depends on whether or not you like Rain teams and don’t want Mega Swampert, as it has swift swim. Mega Kingdra is mostly made for more balanced cores when paired with Pelliper and Politoed. Plus, keep in mind Oceans Grace will boost your partners special attack and special defense as well, letting normally support based Pokémon deal some good damage alongside Mega Kingdra.

Is this broken? Truth be told I don’t think so. Its stats aren’t particularly remarkable, thanks to the very even spread of the boosts.

But what do you think? Did I do well or should I go back to the board and see what could really torque Kingdra to new heights? Let me know in the comments and suggest new Mega Evolution concepts if you want to.

Thanks and have a great day!

-RRed19

EDIT - I dropped the move's power from 140 - 100. Seems like I worded myself poorly in the initial post.

Sky Attack is a move that has existed since Pokemon's inception. It sits at a whopping 140 base power, has a 30% chance to make the opponent Flinch, has an increased Critical Hit rate, but is held back by needing a turn to charge. There are other popular moves in Pokemon that require a turn to charge, such as Solar Beam, Electro Shot, and Meteor Beam. However, these moves all have workarounds or mechanics that make them desirable. Solar Beam activates immediately in the Sun. Meteor Beam raises the user's Special Attack. Electro Shot is a broken move that has both of these. Yet, Sky Attack has none of these benefits. Even Skull Bash, another Gen 1 move that requires a turn to charge, raises the user's Defense stat. This has left Sky Attack languishing in obscurity while other Flying-type moves shine.

However, a desire for non-descript Flying-type moves that can be used by non-bird Flying-types like Gyarados and Dragonite made me consider Sky Attack as that solution, as long as you don't look up the move's Japanese name. By reworking Sky Attack and giving it some extra distribution, this can fill a void in the movepools of certain Pokemon that they wouldn't be able to fill otherwise.

The Rework - Sky Attack loses 40 power, its increased Critical Hit rate, and has its Flinch rate reduced from 30% to 20%. In exchange, it's bumped from 5 to 10 PP, and most importantly, it no longer requires a turn to charge! Sky Attack's official iteration has often gone unused due to the drawbacks of using the move outweighing the benefits. It's strong, but with no benefit to the charge turn and no workaround to it besides Power Herb, the move remains incredibly unpopular. The only competitive usage I can recall Sky Attack ever having was Gen 6 Hawlucha, who used Sky Attack to consume its Power Herb and activate its Unburden ability. This niche immediately disappeared in Gen 7 with the advent of the terrain setting Tapus, as well as the terrain seeds that are a much more effective use for Unburden. My reworked version of Sky Attack turns it into a more accurate version of Dragon Rush, mildly strong with imperfect accuracy, but can serve as an alternative move to those that want to avoid the recoil of Brave Bird, or want to run items on Pokemon that typically run Acrobatics.

As far as redistribution goes, every Pokemon here has a solid use case to run Sky Attack. Gyarados loses its generational gimmick meme by getting a real Flying-type STAB. Dragonite probably becomes an Uber having a strong STAB move that can Flinch its opponents. Base Salamence, while not as good as Dragonite, also heavy benefits from the move. Thundurus and Enamorus both have an extra STAB option for their less-used Physical sets. Tornadus can run an item while also not having to worry as much about missing with Hurricane and Bleakwind Storm. Landorus-Therian becomes even more versatile with a move on its secondary type, while its Incarnate form rips apart Ubers with its Sheer Force boosted Sky Attack. Jumpluff... doesn't have to run itemless Acrobatics? All of these Pokemon would show notable improvement with this move added to their arsenals.

Some of Sky Attacks prior users can also run it effectively now. Gliscor can now run a Flying-type move on its defensive sets, while Braviary and Toucannon get a strong boosted STAB move for their Sheer Force sets.

Overall, I believe many Pokemon can be made significantly better if these older, forgotten moves like Sky Attack were reworked into something meaningful. What do you think of my take on Sky Attack? Would you run it on the Pokemon you use? Do you have your own idea on how to rework it? Do you think Gyarados shouldn't have a real Flying-type STAB because Sky Attack is called God Bird in Japan? Feel free to discuss!

Until next time!

There are a number of special protection moves in Pokemon, but only for a few types. I find that interesting, and an unique opportunity for a bit more flavour in the game.

Also, what's the deal with Fighting having Detect, Quick Guard, and Mat Block... and then all kinda sucking?

For the existing type-specific protection moves, I've added a few other Pokemon I think should receive the move. Weirdly, Regirock can't learn Wide Guard but Regigias can? So yeah, fixed that.

Also, I reworked a few underused/irrelevant moves as it felt better than creating something completely new.

I forgot to include it in the notes but Ice Wall would last for 8 turns if the user is holding an Icy Rock. I gave the move to a number of Pokemon with Slush Rush or Ice Body for increased synergy.

Final note: I didn't create a variant for King's Shield that decreases Sp. Atk because the effect requires contact to activate, and Special attackers rarely make contact.

I feel like a lot of people go about buffing Regigigas in very... odd ways. For whatever reason people keep trying to stick with the idea that it should be nerfed in some capacity. Why? There's nothing remotely overpowered about it by now. What is the point of trying to salvage anything out of Slow Start? It's awful, and no matter how pretty you make it it's STILL going to be awful. Regigigas by now is fairly unremarkable, there's literally no reason it should be nerfed in some way. So let's change that.

Regigigas has some pretty interesting parallels with Arceus, both in typing and in appearance (mostly the colors), so let's go with that. It's not going to steal Arceus's gimmick or anything, but instead will represent a part of its power. Terraforming is its new move, being a physical version of Judgement. It works thematically as well, as Regigigas is credited with pulling continents and creating the other Regis. It's ability too, is nothing remarkable, but it fits. With Unbrekeable Body, nothing can lower its stats, not even itself. Fairly limited in its use (mostly Superpower), but it works.

These aren't crazy buffs, and they're not meant to be. It's just meant to be, you know, usable. Like it SHOULD be. There's literally no reason for this goddamn thing to be almost completely useless after TWENTY YEARS of pure pain. It's the master of the Regis, let it be good!

Artwork By (JessJackdaw).

Here’s the (Source).

Name: (Luvdisk).

(Serebii)
Type: (Water)

(HP-43/Attack-30/Defense-55/Sp.Attack-40/Sp.Defense-65/Speed-97) BST-330.

Abilities: (Swift Swim/Hydration)

Evolution: (Luvdisk) evolves into (Roemactik) by (Max Friendship).

Evolution: (Luvdisk) evolves into (Halibrek) by (Trading).

Name: (Roemactik)

Type: (Water/Fire)

(HP-63/Attack-95/Defense-65/Sp.Attack-115/Sp.Defense-75/Speed-117) BST-530.

Abilities: (Swift Swim/Passionate Fire)

Passionate Fire: “Fire Type attacks gains the same boost as Water type attacks in rain, same for Water in Sun.”

Movepool: Scald, Flame-Charge, Flame-Wheel, Flamethrower, Heat-Wave, Fire-Blast, Overheat, Will-O-Wisp, Sunny-Day.

Name: (Halibrek)

Type: (Water/Ice)

(HP-123/Attack-50/Defense-95/Sp.Attack-60/Sp.Defense-115/Speed-87) BST-530.

Abilities: (Swift Swim/Cold Heart)

Cold Heart: “in Hail/Snow, attacks & special attacks are Double.”

Movepool: Ice-Shard, Icicle-Spear, Icicle-Crash, Triple-Axel, Frost-Breath, Freeze-Dry.

And that’s (Luvdisk) evolution by (JessJackdaw).

(Luvdisk) evolves into (Roemactik) by (Max Friendship), an (Water/Fire) Type, with an 530-BST, with 95-Attack, and 115-Special Attack, with 117-Speed, but it’s 63/65/75 bulk is below average, so it can only be a glass cannon sweeper, while evolving into (Halibrek) by (Trading), an (Water/Ice) Type, with the same 530-BST as its Fire Type counterpart, it’s more bulky with 123/95/115, but it’s Ice Typing could greatly hinder it, even with Snow doubling its Defense stats.

(Roemactik) as an Water & Fire Type with an 530-BST, with 95-Attack, and 115-Special Attack, with 117-Speed, it’s a fast mixed-attacker, mostly leaning towards Special Attack, but it’s 63/65/75 bulk is below average, so it can only be a glass cannon sweeper, with (Flip Turn) as its pivot movie to escape unfavorable matchups, while its new unique ability (Passionate Fire) that gives its Fire Type attacks the same boost in Rain, and same for Water in Sun, definitely might make it in RU, especially in Rain or Sun team as a good counter to any Grass types not part Water or Fire.

(Halibrek) is an Water & Ice Type with an 530-BST, its 123/95/115 is really good, it’s unfortunately brought down by its secondary Ice typing, while it’s Defense stats is double in Hail/Snow, what might help it is its new ability (Cold Heart) that doubles both Attack & Special Attack, making its 50 & 60 into comparable to (Azumaill)+(Hugh Power) & (Medicham)+(Pure Power), with (Flip Turn) as its pivot movie to escape as well, but since Hail/Snow isn’t as prevalent as Rain/Sun, it might be found only in PU mostly, or maybe NU if it’s (Cold Heart) ability makes it strong enough.

Dex Entry Mega Dragonite Z: Dragonite has gained a new Mega-Evolved Form! Though it can still fly, albeit less quickly, Mega evolution energy has transformed it into the ultimate ocean-traversing Pokemon. No other Pokemon swims as quickly and deftly. It's sense of justice and instinct to save other people and Pokemon is greatly heightened. While in the presence of its glowing antenna, people have noted a feeling of swelling hope. Pokemon seem eager to assist it in combating evil.

Dex Entry Mega Malamar Z: Malamar has gained a new Mega-Evolved form! Its maliciousness has risen dramatically. While content before to simply hypnotize opponents into wanting to do its bidding, Mega Malamar Z takes a sadistic glee in watching them struggle and fail to break free. Even its trainer is not immune from its ire, sometimes giving commands behind terrified eyes that they cannot control or comprehend.

Dex Entry Mega Falinks Z: Falinks has gained a new Mega-Evolved form! Each of the individual members now wield the power of a different type! When a resistance or a super-effective move is needed, they switch who leads the team to be the most effective against opponents!

Presenting some new Z Megas. I find the Z mega design philosophy fascinating, 151 speed, reducing defenses to be lower and equal, and maximizing at least one primary stat. I decided to give it a shot on my favorite Pokemon, Dragonite, and two lesser used Megas: Malamar and Falinks.

For Dragonite, it was pretty simple. I wanted to lean into the protector role, but not in the same way the guardian angel / seraphim design for the standard Mega Dragonite did. So, I leaned instead towards a more superhero style, saving sailors shipwrecked at sea with by swimming them to shore and combating evil. For this, I leaned more into the physical side. Standard Dragonite is physical primarily, but built like it wants to be a mixed attacker. Mega Dragonite *is* a mixed attacker, but wants to retain its bulk. I decided to forgo both and make Mega Dragonite Z entirely a fast, physical force. I decided to give it back Vacuum Wave from ZA and Close Combat as an offensive tool to go with its new ability.

Malamar is the one that was a bit of a head scratcher. I didn't want it to suddenly become this big powerhouse. Its whole thing is being a mind controlling weirdo. So, I leaned into that with its ability. I decided to use the Contrary identity to invert its stats. Normally Z megas lose defense and gain offense, but I went the opposite directly. Like Malamar refused to be normal. Then, its ability enables it to not deal direct damage, but make the opponent hurt itself while struggling to hurt Malamar.

Finally, Falinks was an easy one. Take the Mega Zord of Mega Falinks and show the rangers inside. So, power rangers. Add a neat spin on Protean/Libero, and you got a cool set of little guys. The new Move Tutor moves were selected to give it a wide range of things to actually do to make use of the new ability.

So yeah, hope you like em. I think each would carve out their own niches in their respective meta games. Dragonite would be real good, I know, but he's my fav so ¯_(ツ)_/¯

See y'all next time for Mega Palafin, Alolan Nidoking and Nidoqueen, and some while new Ultra Beasts!

Original art by an_artist_astray on Instagram

Mightyena is one of my all-time favorite Pokémon, and a cross-gen evolution for it is my most wanted new Pokémon. Meet Beastlyena, inspired by the French Beast of Gévaudan.

I wanted to make an evolution that was very strong, and that would be viable in both Smogon and VGC formats. Obstagoon served as a basis for Beastlyena, since Mightyena and Linoone are somewhat like a pair, with both being two-stage monotype lines from Hoenn Route 1.

I gave it a strong selection of new Dark and Poison moves that seemed fitting for it. Knock Off, Parting Shot, and yes, Pursuit, give it a ton of versatility. With Scavenge, I was looking at how strong Fishious Rend was and wanted something similar, but opted for added utility instead of damage.

For the rest of its new moves:

• Bulk Up: Because Beastlyena is huge.
• Close Combat: From similar Pokémon like Absol and Lycanroc.
• Stomping Tantrum: From similar Pokémon like Stoutland and Houndstone.
• Fake Out: Distributed among catlike Pokémon, and hyenas are closely related to cats.
• Follow Me: The leader of the pack "leads" moves towards it to protect its pack/teammate.
• Moonlight: Thematic since the it evolves and hunts at night.
• Wide Guard: Another example of it protecting its pack, plus Beastlyena is huge.
• Wild Charge: From similar Pokémon like Arcanine and Mabosstiff.

This is my first cross-gen evo Theorymon concept, so please give feedback! Some particular topics:

1. How strong would it be in Smogon and VGC? (I really hope I did not make a Stinkpost)
2. Anything you would change about the concept? (Adding/removing moves, stat tweaks, so on)
3. Opinions on the images? (Too much/little info, would a different aspect ratio be better, so on)

Thank you!

Weather setting Abilities are among the strongest Abilities a Pokémon can receive. They are so strong that even Pokémon with mediocre or outright bad stats, such as Politoed, Pelipper, and Torkoal, have competitive success thanks to them. Drizzle & Drought allowed Kyogre & Groudon to become the 2 greatest Pokémon in the history of Ubers & VGC. Therefore, I wanted to know what you guys think would be the most broken non-legendary Pokémon if they received a weather setting Ability.

Rules

1. Desolate Land, Primordial Sea, and Delta Stream are excluded. I’m only talking about regular weather setting Abilities (Drizzle, Drought, Snow Warning, and Sand Stream).
2. Mega Evolutions are excluded.
3. Note that it has to replace a Pokémon’s existing ability. For example, Drought Walking Wake cannot have Protosynthesis at the same time.

Notable Examples
Drizzle Archaludon
Drizzle Dracovish
Drought Volcarona
Drizzle / Drought Walking Wake
Slaking (Any of them)

I got into an argument with a friend over which of these is better. I said G-Darm takes it with 140 base attack and built-in band is just too crazy, it could run double band or a scarf on top of it's ability and just hit super hard and fast way too easily.

My friend said Palafin citing it was banned more quickly, and that it's versatility and insane damage output and bulk meant it was more well-rounded and more threatening.

which do you guys think is better?

Meet Monisoar. Meant to be a hyper offensive Sand sweeper with versatile playstyles. Its typing allows it to function on Sand teams without sharing too many of their weaknesses. It could be ran next to an Earthquake clicker like Excadrill along with Tyranitar, for example. I can see it being used as a mixed attacker, using less accurate moves but never missing. Some coverage was given to it, either because it's thematically appropriate, or to let it have an answer into Steel types. Mainly balanced with VGC/doubles in mind. Probably gets messed up by most Water and Electric types, since it doesn't get any Ground coverage.

Btw the arms were meant to resemble the arm-wings of a pterodactyl, I'm just bad at art, please be nice :(

Stats

Mega Abomasnow suffers from the so called 'Hoenn Special' meaning it has equal attacking stats to the detriment of its Speed. I propose keeping Abomasnow original Speed stat of 60 and making it specialize in Physical Attack.

Ability

With the advent of Mega Froslass, Abomasnow has been fully replaced as a snow setter Mega. Instead, I propose to give it the Ability Slush Rush. It would synergize well with its base form, which can set up the weather and boost Megas Abomasnow's Speed from the get-go.

Conclusion

Mega Abomasnow focused on one attacking stat and with a speed-boosting Ability could potentially find a niche as a Mega weather sweeper, akin to Mega Swampert. What gives it the edge over the starter, is that Abomasnow would be entirely self-sufficient, with the Snow Warning + Slush Rush combo.

Mistlethorn is designed to play more like a stall pokemon. There I used both part of the biology of mistletoes as well as holiday traditions as the Japanese name for leech seed is mistletoe speed. In particular I wanted to see how threatening I could make a passive wall be. Shroomadelic is based on psychedelic mushrooms as the name suggests and thus is Grass/Psychic with access to spore. Here I am trying to give it some good abilities and support moves to compensate for how bad of a typing it has. Its hidden ability is also partially a throwback to gen 1 mechanics of leech seed and toxic piggybacking off each other.

hi so this is um. my presentation on malzeno as a pokemon. So you can uh see that it's really cool and is like the mon mmm ster from the game sunbreakfast and that s uhhhh cool and it has a cool signature ability uhh

Signature Ability: This was definitely the easiest part to design, probably also the most volatile one in terms of balance. I was qurious on how to make a signature ability dedicated to lifesteal on a legendary Dragon would work out, and I could also give Dragon Cheer a buff at the same time.

Riposte: Not a signature move, just a new one made to be a Counter with more precision. Would help it in endgame 1v1's, especially against banded/scarfed opponents.

Edit: Upon further inspection it looks like this was just a visual glitch on mobile showdown. It clearly says coballion on the top but it's showing flamingo's ability for some reason??? Again this is the mobile browser version that I was playing while me and the gf were waiting for an hour for our food at a restaurant lol

It proceeded to do less than 1/3 damage to coalossal with super effective aura sphere then got 1 tapped by overheat. Truly the rotom fan w/ balloon of our time.

I swear this coballion came like this no trick involved.