Munchlax Movesets & Competitive Sets

Moves Return is a powerful STAB move that can hit especially hard after an Attack boost from Curse. Body Slam is an alternative that carries a paralysis chance. However, even after paralysis, any Pokemon of 16 Speed or faster still outspeeds Munchlax, and the paralysis can hurt Munchlax when facing Timburr. Curse is a boosting move that lets Munchlax patch up its poor Defense and boost its Attack as it recovers with Rest. Earthquake is an alternative that hits the Rock- and Steel-types that Munchlax often brings in. Whirlwind is a possibility in this slot as well, as it keeps Munchlax from being set up on and can wear down opposing teams by inflicting them with entry hazard damage. Without Earthquake in the second slot, however, Munchlax is stopped completely by most Rock-, Ghost-, and Steel-type Pokemon. Rest gives Munchlax a method of recovery that isn't stopped by Knock Off, while Sleep Talk allows Munchlax to move while asleep. Sleep Talk has the added benefit of allowing Munchlax to come in on sleep inducers, including Foongus, without fear. Set Details Thick Fat allows Munchlax to check Fire- and Ice-type Pokemon even better, including Ponyta and Larvesta. With 236 Special Defense EVs, Munchlax maximizes its already great Special Defense. 236 Attack EVs boost Munchlax's power so that it can hit as hard as possible while taking hits. The remaining EVs go into Defense, an investment that, coupled with an Impish nature, allows Munchlax to hit Eviolite numbers. Eviolite is the item of choice on this set, as it boosts Munchlax's longevity. Usage Tips Munchlax is a terrific counter to most special attackers and should be switched into them liberally. After being switched in, Munchlax can fire off its attacks or set up with Curse. This Munchlax set can also be used as a status absorber. However, be cautious when letting Munchlax take a status move or get worn down, as using Rest to restore health or cure status conditions forces Munchlax to rely on Sleep Talk to select its move for two turns, potentially becoming setup bait. Munchlax becomes much less bulky, especially physically, after being hit with Knock Off, so be cautious of special attackers that can use Knock Off such as Cottonee and Abra. Team Options This Munchlax set is walled especially well by Ghost-type Pokemon such as Gastly, so a Pursuit user such as Alolan Grimer or Pawniard makes a good partner. Defensively, Munchlax forms very good defensive cores with Pokemon that resist Fighting, including Spritzee, Snubbull, and Mareanie. Pokemon that can take Knock Off also make good partners, especially Fighting-type Pokemon such as Mienfoo, Timburr, and Croagunk. Hazard removal is also important, as RestTalk Pokemon tend to get worn down quickly. Staryu and Drilbur can use Rapid Spin and appreciate Munchlax taking on Electric- and Ice-types, respectively, and Vullaby can use Defog and appreciates Munchlax taking on both. Entry hazard support should be provided if Munchlax is running Whirlwind to wear down teams more effectively, with the likes of Onix and Dwebble providing this support well.

Moves Return is Munchlax's primary attack, as it is a powerful STAB move. Body Slam is a decently powerful alternative that comes with a high paralysis chance, which can help to cripple foes. However, anything of 16 Speed or faster will still outspeed Munchlax and paralysis can actually worsen Munchlax's chances against Guts users such as Timburr. Earthquake allows Munchlax to super effectively hit many of the Rock- and Steel-types that switch into its STAB attack of choice. Fire Punch is an alternative that hits certain Pokemon, such as Ferroseed, for more damage than Earthquake. Pursuit gives Munchlax a way to trap Gastly and Abra, which it can switch into and remove from the match. Whirlwind keeps Pokemon from using Munchlax as setup bait and can wear down opposing teams when used in conjunction with entry hazards. Recycle acts as a pseudo-recovery move, giving Munchlax a way to regenerate its Berry Juice. Set Details Thick Fat is Munchlax's best ability, allowing it to more reliably beat Fire-types such as Ponyta and Houndour. Munchlax's EV spread is simple, maximizing its Attack to allow it to hit as hard as possible and its Special Defense to help it to take as many hits as possible while doing so. An Adamant nature further increases Munchlax's attacking potential. Berry Juice gives Munchlax a form of recovery in conjunction with Recycle. Usage Tips Munchlax can be switched in easily against most special attackers and then spam its powerful attacks. Munchlax's STAB move should be used as much as possible, especially if the opponent doesn't have a Ghost-type Pokemon. Be careful to avoid taking a Knock Off, as if Munchlax's Berry Juice is removed, it can't be retrieved by Recycle. Although Munchlax can take on many physical attackers, it will generally get worn down in doing so, so don't allow Munchlax to take powerful physical attacks until the special Pokemon it needs to check have been eliminated. Team Options Munchlax appreciates Pokemon that can take on Fighting-types, and as such it makes a good defensive core with the likes of Spritzee, Snubbull, and Mareanie. Snubbull and Spritzee can also act as clerics, removing status conditions from Munchlax, which tends to get burned by Scald or opposing Fire-types. Pokemon that can take Knock Off make good partners as well, including Mienfoo and Croagunk, the latter of which can also take on Fighting-types. Flying-type Pokemon, such as Doduo and Vullaby, appreciate Munchlax's ability to take on Electric-types such as Chinchou and Magnemite and Ice-types. Grass-type Pokemon also appreciate Munchlax's walling ability. Snivy and Foongus, for example, appreciate Munchlax's ability to take Ice- and Fire-type attacks, and the latter can take on Fighting-types for Munchlax. Entry hazard removal is important to keep Munchlax from being worn down and thus forced to use Recycle too many times, with Defog users such as Vullaby and Rapid Spin users such as Staryu working well. Hazard setters can also make good partners if Whirlwind is run, with possible teammates including Ferroseed and Dwebble. If running Pursuit, Pokemon that appreciate Gastly and Abra removed, such as Fighting-types and a Gastly of your own, make good partners.

Moves Body Slam is the main STAB move for this set, as it's decently powerful and has the chance to paralyze the enemy. Return is a more powerful option, but it lacks the chance to paralyze. Fire Punch is Munchlax's main way to hit Steel-types such as Ferroseed and Bronzor; it also hits Ghost-types with Levitate, such as Gastly. Curse can be used to help boost Munchlax's Attack and Defense while lowering its useless Speed stat, allowing it to KO some of its counters more easily. Note, however, that using Curse instead of Fire Punch leaves Munchlax vulnerable to almost all Ghost-, Rock-, and Steel-type Pokemon. Whirlwind is also an option for the second slot; with it, Munchlax can phaze away boosting sweepers and counters while also being able to rack up possible entry hazard damage. Finally, Rest allows Munchlax to heal itself up to full health, and Sleep Talk makes sure Munchlax isn't a complete sitting duck while sleeping. Set Details With Thick Fat, Munchlax can actually counter Pokemon such as Ponyta and Larvesta despite its middling physical bulk, making it the best ability Munchlax can run. 236 Attack EVs help to power Munchlax up as much as possible, while 236 Special Defense EVs improve Munchlax's already great special bulk. 36 EVs in Defense and an Impish nature allow Munchlax to maximize its bulk by hitting Eviolite numbers; however, Adamant is a viable option for slightly boosting Munclax's damage output. Finally, Eviolite is used to further boost Munchlax's great bulk. Usage Tips Munchlax makes a great switch-in to most special attackers due to its great special bulk. Body Slam should be thrown around liberally unless your opponent has a Ghost-type. With Curse, Munchlax can even threaten prospective Fighting-type switch-ins, as after a Curse it can survive a Drain Punch and KO back. Finally, while RestTalk Munchlax can absorb status well, it must rely on Sleep Talk to do anything for two turns after using Rest. Team Options Pokemon that can reliably switch into Fighting-types, such as Trubbish, make excellent partners to cover Munchlax's weakness. Mienfoo is valuable as a check to Pawniard, which otherwise can Knock Off Munchlax's item and set up with Swords Dance. Fletchling appreciates Munchlax's ability to deal with Magnemite and Chinchou. Lastly, Munchlax is quite vulnerable to Ghost-type Pokemon, making Choice Scarf Pawniard a good partner, as it can Pursuit trap Ghost-types.

Moves Body Slam is a great STAB attack that allows Munchlax to do a good amount of damage to foes while also having a chance to paralyze them. Return is a more powerful STAB option, although it doesn't have the chance to paralyze. Fire Punch hits Steel-types that would otherwise wall Munchlax, such as Ferroseed and Bronzor. It's also Munchlax's best way of hitting Ghost-types with Levitate, like Gastly. Curse boosts Munchlax's Attack and Defense while lowering its practically useless Speed, which can help in KOing potential counters. Earthquake hits Rock-types such as Tirtouga and Onix, while also hitting Steel-types such as Magnemite for more damage than Fire Punch. Toxic can also be used to wear down Pokemon that would otherwise wall Munchlax. Finally, Recycle gives Munchlax a way to recover HP, allowing it to avoid getting worn down itself. Set Details Thick Fat is the best ability Munchlax can run, as it allows it to effectively counter Pokemon such as Larvesta and Ponyta despite its low Defense stat. 236 Attack EVs make Munchlax as strong as possible, and 236 Special Defense EVs help add to Munchlax's already massive special bulk. An Adamant nature increases Munchlax's power, though an Impish nature can be used to give Munchlax more physical bulk. Another possibility is running a spread of 156 Atk / 116 Def / 236 SpD with an Adamant nature, giving Munchlax better defensive bulk and the power of an Adamant nature. Finally, Berry Juice is the item of choice, as when used in tandem with Recycle, it gives Munchlax a reliable form of recovery. Usage Tips Munchlax is a great switch-in to most special attackers due to its great special bulk. Body Slam is Munchlax's main STAB move, and as such, it should be used liberally unless the opponent has a Ghost-type. Using Curse lets Munchlax threaten prospective Fighting-type switch-ins, as it can absorb a Drain Punch and still KO back after a boost or two. Munchlax hates most status effects, especially Toxic and sleep, and therefore should be kept away from them. Team Options Munchlax appreciates teammates like Trubbish that can reliably switch into Fighting-types to cover its weaknesses to physical Fighting-types. Pawniard is a major threat, as it can Knock Off Munchlax's item and then set up a Swords Dance. Mienfoo is a great counter to Pawniard, and as such makes a good teammate. Fletchling loves having Munchlax as a partner because Munchlax can beat Magnemite and Chinchou, which are among Fletchling's best checks. Munchlax is also vulnerable to Ghost-types that can easily burn it, so Choice Scarf Pawniard is a good partner, as it can KO these threats. Finally, Munchlax hates status, making Aromatherapy or Heal Bell users such as Spritzee helpful teammates.

Say hello to Munchlax's most dangerous set. With maximum Attack investment and an Adamant nature, Return does serious damage to most Pokemon that don't resist it. Fire Punch hits Steel-types super effectively and is capable of OHKOing Ferroseed and 2HKOing Bronzor. Earthquake hits Chinchou and Ponyta incredibly hard, as it is able to 2HKO or OHKO the aforementioned Pokemon, depending on what EV spread they run. The final moveslot should be tailored towards your team's needs. Pursuit can be used for a likely OHKO on Misdreavus if it's switching out and has taken Stealth Rock damage. The given EV spread takes full advantage of Munchlax's stat distribution. An Adamant nature and maximum Attack investment are necessary to ensure that Munchlax 2HKOes most Pokemon with the appropriate coverage move. 236 Special Defense EVs ensure that Munchlax retains excellent special bulk in order to hard counter Snover, Misdreavus, and even Gastly. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Defense to ensure that Munchlax is able to take some physical attacks. Speaking of physical attacks, Munchlax's ability, Thick Fat, allows it to check Larvesta and Ponyta despite Munchlax's mediocre Defense stat. Eviolite is needed to ensure that Munchlax can take hits throughout the course of the battle. As a Normal-type in a tier plagued with Fighting-types, Munchlax certainly needs partners that can defeat the likes of Mienfoo, Timburr, and other powerful Fighting-types. Misdreavus makes for an excellent Mienfoo switch-in, as it is capable of burning the aforementioned Fighting-type with Will-O-Wisp and setting up Nasty Plot, while fearing only the rare Payback. Otherwise, it can just take Mienfoo out with Shadow Ball. Larvesta resists Fighting-type moves, can burn Fighting-types with Flame Body, and does hefty damage with a STAB Flare Blitz. More defensive partners include Shelmet, who defeats all Fighting-types lacking Stone Edge and also setup Spikes, Tentacool, who can set up Toxic Spikes, and Hippopotas, who can shuffle with Yawn, set up Stealth Rock, and support your team with a permanent sandstorm. Munchlax is a Pokemon with a huge movepool; consequently it has some other viable options Body Slam is a weaker alternative to Return, but it has a big upside: a 30% chance of paralyzing the opponent. Seed Bomb is useful for taking down Tirtouga, one of the only Pokemon that has nothing to fear from Munchlax; it is also useful for hitting Frillish. Finally, Rock Slide hits Larvesta super effectively.