Muk Movesets & Competitive Sets

Moves Rest helps keep Muk healthy throughout the match to check special attackers better while also helping it get rid of status that would otherwise hinder its ability to sweep, such as Rotom-Fan's Will-o-Wisp. Fire Punch can be run over Poison Jab so Muk can get past Steel-types like Bronzor and Probopass, but it makes Muk a lot more passive and weaker offensively, making it hard to get past Fire- and Water-types such as Rapidash and Swanna while also missing on Poison Jab's high poison chance, which can be useful to cripple non-immune checks. Set Details Leftovers is used over Black Sludge due to Pyukumuku's Soak making Black Sludge damage Muk. Moreover, since Muk's ability Sticky Hold prevents its item from being removed, it's actually impossible to punish Trick and Switcheroo users. Usage Tips This set is a reliable switch-in to several special attackers in the metagame, being able to threaten them with a Curse setup, so it should be brought in to sponge a hit from these. It also switches into passive Pokemon like Altaria with ease. Due to this set being easily walled, using Poison Jab to try to get the 30% poison chance or double switching to a trapper or a wallbreaker is usually a good move early-game, allowing you to remove or pressure your opponent's answers to Muk. With Rest and a Poison typing, this set is an excellent status absorber, being able to switch into moves like Altaria's Toxic and Gourgeist-XL's Will-O-Wisp. Due to Sticky Hold, Muk can potentially come in on Trick and Switcheroo users like Floatzel and Rotom-Fan and force them out. Therefore, Muk should attempt to set up once its checks are either removed or crippled with status, potentially sweeping the opposing team. If using Fire Punch, it's wise to conceal Muk's attacking move, so it can surprise the opponent and break down its check in order to sweep at the right opportunity. Team Options Good partners to Muk include trappers like Probopass, Alolan Golem, Silvally-Dark, and Pawniard, which can remove Steel- and Psychic-types that interfere with Muk's ability to sweep. Ground-immune as Altaria and Bronzor make good partners to Muk due to their ability to switch into Earthquake. Physically defensive Pokemon that don't share Muk's weaknesses like Gourgeist-XL, Beheeyem, and Gabite are also good teammates, being able to absorb super effective hits such as Golem's Earthquake that would otherwise heavily damage Muk due to its average Defense stat. On more balanced builds, wallbreakers like Komala and Pinsir make for good partners to this set, as they are able to remove Muk's common checks such as Bronzor and Mareanie, paving the way to a sweep.

Moves Curse increases Muk's relatively low physical bulk and already impressive Attack stat. Poison Jab is preferred here because it has higher PP and accuracy than Gunk Shot. Rest is Muk's only form of recovery, but it lets Muk set up without worrying about being burned or paralyzed. Sleep Talk prevents Muk from being dead weight while asleep and allows Muk to switch in on sleep-inducing moves with minimal consequences. Set Details 248 HP and 8 Defense EVs allow Muk to live through Stoutland’s Choice Band-boosted Return after Stealth Rock damage. 12 EVs should be invested in Speed, so that when weakened, it is able to restore its HP via Rest before being KOed by neutral-natured, uninvested base 50s like Prinplup, Mawile, and Audino. The remainder of its EVs is allocated toward its special bulk; this level of investment makes setting up easier and helps Muk take on special attackers even in the early-game. Curse increases Defense anyway, so near maximum Special Defense investment and a Careful nature are needed to ensure well-rounded bulk for easier sweeping. Black Sludge gives Muk passive recovery, reducing its reliance on Rest and increasing its overall durability. Sticky Hold is necessary to prevent Trick/Switcheroo from affecting Muk, which would otherwise ruin sweeping chances. It also allows Muk to switch in on a few more threats, most notably Rotom-F. Usage Tips Muk is most effective late-game after its checks are gone, but it can be used throughout the battle as a special wall, switch-in to Pokemon such as Clefairy, or status absorber. It is particularly important to avoid setting up Curse until all your opponent's Steel-types have been KOed, as they're immune to Muk's only attacking move. Once its checks and counters are out of the way, the best time for Muk to set up is against a defensive Pokemon that doesn't carry Taunt or a super effective attack, such as Clefairy, Tangela, or Audino. Otherwise, it can also set up on special attackers like Roselia, Cryogonal, and the Rotom formes. Team Options The CroMuk set tends to work best on defensive or balanced teams. Offensive teams need to apply pressure on the opponent throughout the battle, and CroMuk can't do that until it sets up. Probopass is a common partner for its Magnet Pull ability, allowing it to trap and eliminate most Steel-types quite easily. Pursuit trappers such as Metang, Stoutland, and Dusknoir play a similar role, as they are able to weaken or KO the offensive Psychic- and Ghost-types that threaten Muk, namely Mr. Mime, Kadabra, and Misdreavus. Additionally, their Ground- and Fighting-type coverage moves are helpful for removing the Rock- and Steel-types that either wall or threaten Muk, like Golem, Probopass, and Mawile. Bulky Grass-types are great partners due to their advantage against Ground-types, especially Golem. Tangela is particularly helpful because its Sleep Powder can give Muk an opportunity to set up. This set would also be appreciated on teams that are weak to Rotom-F, as Muk is a great all-around check to it. Finally, due to Muk's Sticky Hold ability, it pairs well with most defensive Pokemon that would be crippled by Trick/Switcheroo, such as Audino, Clefairy, and Vullaby.

Moves Since this set is intended to do as much damage as possible, Gunk Shot is the preferred STAB move for its power. Shadow Sneak helps Muk overcome its low Speed and allows it to act as a revenge killer, although it's a fairly weak move. Fire Punch deals with Steel-types primarily, since they're immune to Gunk Shot. Common threats such as Pawniard, Metang, and Mawile would all counter Muk otherwise. Ice Punch is similarly used to deal with Ground-types, giving Muk a way to discourage them from switching in. Golem, Gabite, and other physically oriented Ground-types are especially threatening, so this move is needed to make sure Muk isn't Ground bait. Set Details Choice Band, maximum Attack EVs, and an Adamant nature are all used to maximize Muk's wallbreaking ability. The rest of the EVs are invested in HP to allow Muk to survive more hits while it's wallbreaking. The ability is really a toss-up depending on what your team needs. Poison Touch can be useful to spread the poison status with Muk's contact moves to its switch-ins that aren't Steel- or Poison-type. Sticky Hold allows it to switch in on a predicted Trick or Switcheroo, but not using Poison Touch may make it more difficult to wear down Muk's checks over the course of a battle. Usage Tips Choice Band Muk plays the role of a wallbreaker, blowing holes in the opponent's team. Unfortunately, Gunk Shot is fairly easy to switch in on due to Steel-, Rock-, and Ground-types being on nearly every team, so predicting which Pokemon your opponent will switch to will be a key part of the success of this set. Muk is bulky enough that it can check weaker special attackers like Zebstrika and force them out. This gives Muk the opportunity to wear down its own checks by hitting them when they switch in. Furthermore, Muk thrives against certain defensive Pokemon like Clefairy and Audino, so they are the ideal Pokemon for it to switch in on. Team Options Normal- or Flying-types like Stoutland, Dodrio, and Jumpluff all benefit from Muk as a teammate because they share checks. Pokemon like Golem, Stunfisk, and Metang are typically used to deal with these checks, but running Muk alongside a Normal- or Flying-type attacker places immense pressure on these checks throughout the battle, making it easier to wear them down. Grass-types such as Leafeon and Tangela are great partners because they can switch in on and eliminate Ground-types. Water-types like Politoed and Floatzel are good for similar reasons, and Muk helps them by beating the Grass-types that would otherwise check them. Trappers are also a good choice; Probopass can trap opposing Steel-types, which allows Muk to lock into its STAB Gunk Shot more easily. Similarly, Pursuit trappers such as Stoutland and Dodrio are effective because they deal with the Psychic- and Ghost-types that check Muk. In general, having a Psychic check is always a good idea. Murkrow is a good offensive partner for its type synergy and ability to clean up after Muk wears down the opponent's team. Pawniard and Mightyena are also worth considering for similar reasons.

Moves Gunk Shot is Muk's strongest move. It's a little inaccurate and has low PP, but the power is worth it. Shadow Sneak is reliable priority. It's fairly weak against targets that take neutral damage from it, but it can be a big threat to Psychic- and Ghost-types. Fire Punch is mainly used to hit Steel-types like Metang and Mawile super effectively. Ice Punch covers most Ground-types like Golem, Stunfisk, and Vibrava. Set Details The Assault Vest increases Muk's already high Special Defense, allowing it to take more hits and therefore survive longer to continue threatening the opponent's team. It also helps Muk act as a check to certain special attackers like Zebstrika and Floatzel. Maximum Attack EVs and an Adamant nature help Muk do as much damage as possible. The rest of the EVs are dumped in HP to increase Muk's overall bulk and longevity. Poison Touch is generally the preferred ability so Muk has a chance to poison its switch-ins, but Sticky Hold can allow it to function as a switch-in to Trick or Switcheroo, and to a lesser extent, Knock Off. However, it's more difficult to wear down Muk's checks without the chance of poisoning them. Usage Tips Muk can be used throughout the battle to switch in on resisted attacks, as well as non-Psychic-type special attackers if necessary, and deal damage before being forced out. If using Sticky Hold, it can also act as a switch-in to Trick and Switcheroo for teammates that are very dependent upon their items or are just crippled by being given a Choice item. Since Gunk Shot has so many switch-ins in the PU tier, spamming it early on in the battle isn't always the best strategy. However, once Muk's checks have been eliminated, spamming Gunk Shot and Shadow Sneak can be an effective way of cleaning up. As a final note, if Muk is on your team to check a certain Pokemon such as Cacturne, be careful not to let it get too weak before that Pokemon is knocked out. Muk is very prone to being worn down over time, since it lacks recovery. Team Options The Assault Vest set tends to work best on bulky offensive or balanced teams that need a check to Grass-types, Clefairy, or just special attackers in general. Psychic-type checks, especially Dark-types like Vullaby, are appreciated on the team due to Muk's weakness to them. Muk can also switch in on Fairy and Fighting moves for Dark-types, so Cacturne, Pawniard, and Murkrow all appreciate Muk's presence. Ground-type checks are highly valued because most Ground-type attackers are physical, leaving Muk very vulnerable. As such, Flying-types or Levitate users such as Pelipper and Vibrava are ideal. Grass-types with STAB moves can also be very effective at switching in on and eliminating Ground-types. Since Fire Punch is Muk's only answer to Steel-types and it's not particularly strong, having a check to Steel-types is a good idea. Probopass can trap them with Magnet Pull and knock them out with Earth Power. Pursuit trappers like Stoutland, Dodrio, and Metang can remove Psychic- and Ghost-types from the opponent's team, both of which can be problematic for Muk. With Muk's lack of reliable recovery, having a cleric on the team is a good idea to keep it healthy. Audino's Wish and Heal Bell or Mr. Mime's Healing Wish are both solid options. Muk's resistance to Grass and nice special bulk make it a good partner for Water-types, particularly Seaking and Relicanth, since Grass is their most significant weakness.

This set should only be used on full stall teams, as Muk will lose too much momentum for the team otherwise, and it doesn't hit quite hard enough or fulfill a role useful enough on balanced and offensive teams to warrant a teamslot. Muk's foremost role on the team is as a Grass-type counter, particularly against Rotom-C, which can otherwise give stall teams some trouble, and the moveset helps accomplish this. Poison Jab has good neutral coverage in RU, the poison chance is nice, and it absolutely demolishes Rotom-C and lands a good hit on other Grass-types as well. However, it should only be used if the Pokemon you predict to switch in isn't more harmed by Toxic. Fire Punch puts the hurt on Amoonguss and Roselia, but it's more useful for luring in and KOing Durant, Escavalier, and Ferroseed, which are all very dangerous Pokemon to give a free turn to. Thunderbolt's main role is to 2HKO Qwilfish after Stealth Rock damage, and it gets a decent hit on Moltres and other Flying-types. The last slot will usually go to Toxic, which deters a lot of the Pokemon that will generally be switching into Muk such as Slowking, Mesprit, Rhydon, Quagsire, and Gallade. However, Haze is usually a requirement on stall teams, and if you're not using Cryogonal or another Pokemon for the role, then Muk fits the bill well. Unfortunately, most of the Pokemon that Haze is most useful against can threaten Muk with their STAB moves or OHKO it if it switches in against the likes of SubCM Uxie, Mesprit, Sigilyph, Gallade, and Kabutops. Sticky Hold is needed so that Muk can absorb Trick from the most common users of it in the tier, particularly Rotom, Rotom-C, and Manectric. Poison Touch might be tempting to use, but Muk usually can't risk normal poisoning something it'd rather Toxic poison such as Tangrowth and Slowking. A fully specially defensive EV spread takes advantage of Muk's typing and stat spread the best, and even with Defense investment, Muk will still usually be 2HKOed by most physical attackers. Don't bother trying to beef up Muk's Attack either because it needs all the special defense it can get, and investing in Muk's offense is only efficient if it becomes an all-out attacker. Gunk Shot can be used for a gigantic increase in power and offensive presence, which can also force more enemy switches and rack up entry hazard damage. However, the accuracy will more often than not bite Muk in the slime and force it to switch instead; granted, this isn't as punishing as it is for the opponent, since full stall teams should usually be able to get off a Rapid Spin and have Wish support. Thunder Punch can be used over Thunderbolt if Qwilfish isn't a concern for your team, as it does a bit more to Sigilyph, Moltres, and Kabutops, usually forcing the former two into using Roost, which will open up a free switch for you. Sleep Talk can be used as well if you want Muk to be a complete Grass-type counter, but Muk is a lackluster sleep absorber, as it doesn't pose much of a threat while asleep. As Muk should only be used on full stall teams, its teammates should follow suit as such. A spinner is needed, since while Muk absorbs Toxic Spikes, it's still susceptible to Stealth Rock and Spikes, meaning Cryogonal makes a good partner, and it can also provide Haze support. Because Muk has no recovery, it appreciates Wish support immensely. Two really good users in Clefable and Alomomola are available, and both have good defensive synergy with Muk. Steelix and Aggron have a free switch into Muk, so teammates are needed for them. A Steelix of your own or Poliwrath are good choices; Qwilfish also does alright in this role despite its frailty and can provide Spikes or Toxic Spikes once it's in. Magneton works here as well, particularly Choice Specs Magneton, as it can trap Steel-types and obliterate most of them with its STABs and Hidden Power Fire. Sigilyph laughs hysterically at Muk, so a counter to it is needed too. Spiritomb fits best on stall teams, and it can beat most variants of Sigilyph; Haze Cryogonal also works OK here as well. Most other threats that will generally be switching into Muk are maimed by Toxic or its coverage, so simply providing good defensive switches is all that's really needed to wear down the opponent over time and secure the win for Muk's team. Pokemon like Clefable, Amoonguss, Tangrowth, Steelix, Alomomola, Slowking, and Uxie are all classic RU stall Pokemon that cover a huge variety of offensive threats within the metagame.

Muk's unique defensive profile and ability in Sticky Hold contribute to making it the best Curse user in the tier. Sticky Hold is an underrated ability that is crucial to Muk's success, protecting its Black Sludge from Knock Off and Trick attempts that ruin its main competition, Munchlax. Muk's typing and high bulk allow it to switch in easily against staples like Meganium, Leafeon, and Mienfoo, which gives it plenty of opportunities to attack or use Curse. Curse is key to turning Muk into an enormously threatening tank, boosting its already great Attack to sky-high levels and shoring up its decent physical bulk. After a Curse, usual checks like Lairon and Rest Talk Shelgon can be forced to switch out for fear of Muk being able to beat them one-on-one. Poison Jab is Muk's necessary STAB attack, as its chance to poison puts serious pressure on Solrock and Ground-types, which could otherwise answer Muk with little fear. Brick Break is its preferred coverage move, as Curse allows Muk to win against other Muk even with resisted moves, and the huge damage it does to Lairon allows Muk to duel it. Fire Punch is another coverage option to dispatch Wormadam-S in one attack, as it would otherwise be able to whittle Muk down by repeatedly using Psychic, although Muk loses the ability to reliably beat Lairon. Shadow Sneak provides Muk with priority, finishing off many threatening Pokemon that survive a +1 Poison Jab after Stealth Rock, such as Glaceon and Kingler. Maximum Attack is invested so that Muk can hit as hard as possible after a Curse, while the remaining EVs are invested into bulk. Curse Muk plays at a slower pace than the early-game powerhouse that is Muk's four attacks set, waiting for roadblocks like Hippopotas and Solrock to be statused or removed before committing to a Curse. Before using Curse, Muk can fulfill its usual functions of checking Pokemon like Mienfoo and Meganium and using the opportunity to try and land a poison on the Rock- or Ground-type that is likely to check it. Pokemon that can keep Muk healthy and answer its checks are ideal. Meganium and physically defensive Clefairy are common partners, not minding Will-O- Wisp from Solrock and Earthquake from Whiscash while providing crucial cleric support. They're also solid checks to Psychic-types, such as Grumpig and Mr. Mime, which are the few Pokemon that can seriously threaten Muk with huge damage. Solrock and Muk's defensive profiles have great synergy, as Solrock can comfortably switch into most physical attacks for Solrock, while Muk exploits the weak walls that try to handle Solrock. Persian and Emolga's natural Speed helps keep opposing offense in check for the rather slow Muk, and they both have a trove of options to lure Muk's checks for it. For example, Persian can use a Technician-boosted Water Pulse to remove Solrock, while Emolga can use Thunderbolt or even Hidden Power Fighting to pressure Lairon. There are few Pokemon that can use Muk as setup fodder, but Arbok has the perfect combination of Coil and Poison typing to do so. Reliable answers to Arbok such as Wormadam-S and Hippopotas are important to Curse Muk's success. Pokemon reliant on Eviolite such as the aforementioned Clefairy and Mienfoo appreciate Muk as a partner, which is one of the few Knock Off absorbers in the tier.

Muk's combination of great bulk, resistances, and power offers it many opportunities to switch in and set up a Substitute. Common defensive staples such as Meganium and Mienfoo cannot safely prevent Muk's Substitute at all, while the metagame defining Clefairy is entirely blanked. In addition to protecting Muk from faster revenge killers and totally absorbing set damage moves like Clefairy's Seismic Toss and Frillish's Night Shade, Muk's Substitute can survive defensive Solrock's Rock Slide and protect Muk from Will-O-Wisp, subverting the most common counter to Muk in the tier if it chooses to drop Earthquake. Poison Jab heavily threatens Meganium and Leafeon in particular and potentially cripples checks that could otherwise stall Muk out, such as Frillish and Rocky Helmet Solrock. In addition to being extremely powerful and spammable behind a Substitute, Focus Punch shatters Lairon attempting to pivot into Poison Jab or Fire Punch, 2HKOes even the most physically defensive Clefairy, and 3HKOes Wormadam-S, which lacks recovery. Shadow Sneak provides important priority to the team, which is particularly useful against faster Psychic-types attempting to revenge kill Muk such as Grumpig and Mr. Mime, while also taking out weakened setup sweepers or Salac Berry sweepers such as Raichu. Sticky Hold is the preferred option on most Muk sets in order to stuff Knock Off from Clefairy, Mienfoo, and Ivysaur, but Poison Touch can be very effective alongside Substitute if Muk's teammates can take Knock Off. SubPunch Muk fits best on balance and bulky offense, which particularly appreciates Muk's blend of checking offense, breaking down defense, while offering it the backbone, pivots, and occasional cleric support it appreciates. Meganium is one of the best partners for Muk thanks to it pivoting into Rock- and Ground-types, luring in Leafeon and Clefairy for Muk to take advantage of, and providing either Aromatherapy to clear errant status or an offensive set to threaten KOs when it switches in on the aforementioned Muk checks. Muk's status as the most reliable wallbreaker against Clefairy is valued very highly by teammates that would otherwise be completely walled by it. In addition to the aforementioned Meganium, teammates such as Staryu, Frillish, and Wormadam-S appreciate that Muk generates consistent offense against Clefairy. Muk will lose out to faster wallbreakers such as Grumpig and Kingler once it has been sufficiently chipped, so revenge killers such as Persian and Simisear can reverse the situation once Muk is eventually forced down. Most Stealth Rock users pair well with Muk, but Muk appreciates Wormadam-S and Wormadam-G's ability to reliably check any Arbok set. Wish and Healing Wish can extend Muk's staying power, allowing it to trade down numerous times. Choice Scarf Mr. Mime, Hypno, and Leafeon can fit said options into their movesets while shoring up Muk's team with either their Speed or bulk.

Top tier bulk, a solid offensive presence, and a good defensive typing allow Muk to fulfill a tank role excellently. Maximum HP investment lets Muk check Pokemon as comfortably as possible, easily taking hits from staples like Meganium, Leafeon, and Clefairy. Maximum Attack investment with an Adamant nature ensures Muk can fire back as hard as possible. Poison Jab is a reliable STAB attack with a lack of coverage that is made up for somewhat by its nasty 30% poison chance. Brick Break provides strong coverage against the Rock- and Steel-types that attempt to switch into Poison Jab, hitting the dangerous Lairon especially hard. Fire Punch is solid coverage for its super effective hit against Wormadam-S on its only weakness. Payback hits Solrock for significant damage, especially if it tries to set Stealth Rock in front of Muk, and also allows Muk to threaten Ghost- and other Psychic-types. Shadow Sneak, although not very strong, grants Muk priority and is especially effective at picking off weakened Psychic- and Ghost-types like Grumpig, Gastly, and Mr. Mime. It may seem odd to pass up on Poison Touch's extra damage, but Sticky Hold is an incredible ability. The immunity to item disruption allows Muk to stuff Knock Off and flip momentum with a risky switch into Trick or Switcheroo from Choice Scarf users like Grumpig. Muk is a great tank that can use its many opportunities to switch in and great power to force a lot of damage early into the game, which balance, offense, and hyper offense teams love. Stealth Rock setters like Lairon, Solrock, and Wormadam-S help apply pressure through status and their STAB attacks, which can force in walls like Clefairy and Meganium for Muk to abuse. On more balanced teams, Clefairy provides an important ability to pivot into special attacks and status while spreading Thunder Wave for the slow Muk. In return, Muk can dominate Mienfoo for Clefairy, and is unafraid of Knock Off thanks to Sticky Hold. This trait is especially appreciated by walls that use Eviolite like Clefairy and Grass-type walls like Meganium, the latter of which can switch into Ground-types and Solrock for Muk. Muk is amazing at trading hits and keeping up pressure, but its low Speed often results in an inability to KO many low health foes. Revenge killers and setup sweepers like Emolga, Persian, and Kingler are great picks to run through a team that Muk has damaged.

This set plays a little more differently than the sets above. Its aim is to handle special attacks directed at Muk while dishing out attacks with his impressive base 105 Attack. Poison Jab is the preferred move for better accuracy, while Gunk Shot provides extra power but less accuracy. Unlike the previous sets, this one does not mind the PP drop from choosing Gunk Shot. Brick Break and Focus Punch are a must to damage opposing Rock- and Steel-types who would otherwise wall Muk completely. Ice Punch is useful against opposing Ground-types and Venusaur who attempt to come in on a Poison- or Fighting-type attack. Payback is another option for hitting opposing Psychic-types who could be problematic for Muk. Pain Split is the main option for decent recovery; it can also help do significant damage to Pokemon such as Registeel if Muk is at low health and they are at high health. Explosion is another option for this set as a last ditch effort to take out an opposing bulky Pokemon, such as Hariyama or Azumarill. Giga Drain can surprise and eliminate Rhyperior, Omastar, and Kabutops on the switch, but those are the only significant targets in UU. If you decide to use Giga Drain, then a Brave nature is recommended to maximize Giga Drain's power by not lowering Muk's Special Attack. Shadow Sneak is another option on this set to cover speedy Psychic-types, but it is far too weak without a Curse boost. Fire Blast can also be used to hit Steelix on its weaker Special Defense stat, but that is the extent of its use. Muk will have a harder time dealing with Steel-types like Registeel and Steelix without any form of a boost. Both Registeel and Steelix can shrug off Brick Break, and Focus Punch will still fail to deal any significant damage. Defensive Hariyama can be a neat partner with Muk as it can take repeated Earthquakes while dishing out incredible damage with his STAB Fighting-type move. Moltres is another potential teammate for this set because it can come in on Earthquake and attempt to scare Steel-types away with a Fire-type move. Muk will also attract Psychic-types, and the perfect choice to take Psychic-type attacks is Spiritomb. Spiritomb can utilize Pursuit on fleeing Psychic-types or set up using Calm Mind to handle bulkier Psychic-types such as Uxie and Mesprit.

Muk makes a fantastic Curse user in UU due to his superb special bulk and naturally high Attack stat. Unlike other Curse users, Muk is not susceptible to Trick thanks to his ability, Sticky Hold. This allows Muk to set up Curses on common Trick users, such as Clefable and Rotom, with little fear. Poison Jab is Muk's obligatory STAB move, while the third slot gives him better coverage. Brick Break allows him to damage Steel- and Rock-types such as Steelix, Registeel, and Aggron, which usually carry Earthquake to wreck Muk's set-up. Ice Punch allows Muk to hit Ground-types which normally switch in on it, such as Nidoking, Nidoqueen, and Claydol. For the last slot, Explosion is a powerful move that lets Muk takes out at least one last Pokemon, while Shadow Sneak allows him to hit faster Pokemon such as Espeon and Alakazam, which can threaten him with a STAB Psychic attack. Rest is another option if Muk has a couple of Curses under his belt since it allows him to replenish lost health and cure status. Gunk Shot is another option on this set for a stronger STAB attack, but it is not recommended because of its low PP and accuracy. The EVs are designed to give Muk the best balanced bulk possible with a little more emphasis on Special Defense, as Muk can simply raise his Defense with Curse. 80 Defense EVs ensure that Muk is never KOed by Hitmonlee's or Aggron's Earthquake. However, these EVs can easily be moved to either Special Defense, which gives Muk the best special bulk possible, or Attack, which gives Muk a little more power. While combining Rest with Sleep Talk may seem tempting, leaving Muk with only one type of attack is a horrible idea. Muk's Poison STAB has bad coverage in UU, and his biggest counters, Registeel and Steelix, are completely immune to it. Furthermore, leaving Muk with only Brick Break or Ice Punch would leave him utterly outclassed by a multitude of Pokemon in UU. This set has a hard time dealing with Registeel and Steelix due to their titanic Defense stat that allows them to take repeated Brick Breaks from Muk. Steelix can use Roar to prevent Muk from even setting up Curse, and both Steelix and Registeel can deal plenty of damage to Muk with Earthquake. Hariyama makes an excellent teammate for Muk due to his incredible base HP, which allows him to take repeated Earthquakes from Steelix and Registeel and threaten them back with STAB Fighting-type attacks. Pairing Muk alongside Milotic or Quagsire can prove useful as well. They have exceptional bulk and can shrug off attacks from the various Ground-types of UU and then threaten them with Surf or Waterfall. Muk also appreciates dual screen support, which allows him to set up with less difficulty.

With Substitute, Muk can utilize the jaw-breaking Focus Punch to more easily smash through opposing Steel- and Rock-types. This set is quite simple to use: set up a Substitute on a Pokemon whom Muk will scare out, and then use Focus Punch if it can hit super effectively. Poison Jab is the preferred STAB attack and is Muk's most consistent form of dealing damage; however, Gunk Shot offers more power and Muk has extra time to fire it off from behind a Substitute. Ice Punch covers Grass- and Ground-types like Venusaur, Nidoking, and Donphan who resist Fighting and/or Poison. Since Muk can only achieve a 3HKO at best on these Pokemon, you may prefer Payback to maim Ghost- and Psychic-types instead. As always, Explosion is an option in the last slot to allow Muk to go out with a bang. The somewhat arbitrary-looking EVs allow Muk to create 101 HP Substitutes and give Muk as much Attack as possible. With 8 EVs placed in Speed, Muk can outpace opposing minimum base 50s and set up a Substitute before they can status him. The remaining EVs are placed in Muk's lower Defense stat to protect him from the multitude of physical attacks found in UU. As with the aforementioned sets, Steelix is a menace to Muk even when he is behind a Substitute. Steelix is only 3HKOed by Focus Punch, and in the meantime, can easily use Roar to blow Muk away or damage him with Earthquake. Again, Milotic is a good partner, able to shrug off Earthquakes and soak Steelix and other Ground-types with Surf. Because Muk will be losing a significant amount of health from using Substitute, pairing him with a Wish user, such as Clefable or Leafeon, could prove useful. Pairing Muk with a Flying-type, such as Altaria or Moltres, allows him to easily avoid incoming Earthquakes and gives his Flying friends a free turn to do as they please. Grass-types such as Exeggutor and Tangrowth are good teammates as well since they resist Earthquake and can deal with the bulky Water-types Muk has trouble getting past with this set.

With an impressive base 105 Attack and high defensive stats, Muk can effectively utilize a Choice Band set. STAB Gunk Shot can deal a considerable amount of damage to Pokemon that do not resist it; however, Poison Jab is the safer option due to its higher accuracy. The selection between Brick Break and Focus Punch solely relies on your prediction skills. Focus Punch deals much more damage overall; for example, it deals 62.15% - 73.45% to Relaxed 252/0 Steelix, Muk's number one counter. Brick Break will fail to get a clean 2HKO on Steelix, but is a much more reliable option otherwise. Ice Punch deals with Grass- and Ground-types like Venusaur, Torterra, Nidoking, Donphan, and Claydol. In the last slot, Explosion is a powerful attack that literally OHKOes any UU Pokemon that does not resist it. Payback is another option in place of Ice Punch to hurt opposing Psychic-types, but Ice Punch is preferred, as it damages Ground-types who can hit Muk on his lower Defense stat with Earthquake. An alternative EV spread of 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe can be utilized to outrun Pokemon such as RestTalk Milotic, Support Venusaur, and Blastoise. It also lets Muk Speed tie with opposing Aggron and Azumarill. This set may hit hard, but it is still stopped by Steel-types. Steelix and Registeel have to be careful about switching in on Focus Punch, but can otherwise easily come in on any of the other three attacks and scare away Muk with Earthquake. Nidoking and Nidoqueen can also come in on a predicted Poison- or Fighting-type attack and damage Muk with STAB Earthquake. As mentioned in the set above, Milotic can stop Muk's counters and drown them with Surf. For additional support, Spikes and Stealth Rock can help weaken Steelix and Registeel switch-ins. Good teammates to set up the aforementioned entry hazards include Omastar, Qwilfish, and Cloyster. Finally, Muk is easily revenge killed by Psychic-types such as Alakazam, so pairing Muk with a Pursuit user such as Spiritomb can greatly aid in Muk's hole-punching.

Great Special Defense and Attack like Snorlax, Muk makes a pretty good Curser. Cursed Explosion is powerful, but with Rest you can keep on tanking. It will probably be run over by Psychic and Earthquake.

Use this set for Muk in UU, where it's right at home. Switch in on a Grasser or a Fighter (hopefully without Earthquake), and hit away. Ice Punch shuts down any unsuspecting Gligar, Hidden Power Ghost is for Misdreavus and Shedinja, and Hidden Power Grass stops Quagsire. There's no need for Special Attack EVs as you need more EVs in Special Attack than it's worth to OHKO either Gligar or Quagsire. Both Hidden Powers should do the job should Solrock come in to counter you.

Slow and over 404 HP, so Muk is automatically a great Subpuncher. With a great Attack, this is something to watch out for. In UU, the only Steel that is used sometimes is Mawile, which Focus Punch is more than enough for, so Fire Blast isn't needed.

More novelty than anything. Bring it in like you normally would, and predict what your opponent is going to do. Use the right attack, and hopefully you will hit them hard.