Slowking Movesets & Competitive Sets

Calm Mind enables Slowking to become a dangerous offensive threat and set up on common Pokemon such as Nihilego and Moltres while retaining its longevity. After a boost, it is able to survive moves such as Dark Pulse from Choice Specs Hydreigon and stomach attacks such as Nidoking's Thunderbolt and Salamence’s Hurricane. Scald helps Slowking threaten switch-ins such as Hydreigon and enemy Slowking with burns. Psyshock helps against Chansey, opposing Slowking, Calm Mind Primarina, and Galarian Slowbro. Colbur Berry improves Slowking's matchup against Conkeldurr and Mamoswine, though it still has watch out for Facade from the former if it's below 66% HP. Calm Mind Slowking fits best on balance, semi-stall, and stall teams as a wincon that maintains crucial defensive utility against Pokemon such as Mamoswine and Azelf. Nihilego and Chansey are useful Stealth Rock setters that check Thundurus-T and Hydreigon. Nihilego is more offensively potent and provides Knock Off support, whereas Chansey has more longevity and can also provide cleric support instead of setting Stealth Rock. However, while teams using Calm Mind Slowking want cleric support, keeping Slowking burned helps it set up in front of Chansey and Swampert without fear of Toxic. Quagsire provides an Electric immunity and checks Pokemon like Swords Dance Scizor and Belly Drum Azumarill.Defensive Salamence and Skarmory are great assets for their ability to answer Grass-types like Zarude and Zarude while providing Defog support. They also ensure that Slowking does not get overwhelmed by foes such as Conkeldurr and Swords Dance Excadrill. Umbreon provides additional insurance against Mamoswine and Energy Ball Azelf while having the option to provide Wish support. It also enjoys Slowking's ability to set up on threats such as Cobalion and Keldeo. Calm Mind Slowking can have problems against Teleport Slowking, which can bring in Pokemon that threaten it such as Hydreigon, so counters to Slowking like Zarude are great teammates.

Scald reduces Slowking's passivity, burning switch-ins like Hydreigon and Tangrowth. Psychic threatens foes such as Amoonguss as they switch in. Additionally, Psychic discourages Conkeldurr from staying in to use Knock Off. Future Sight can be used instead to support Slowking's wallbreaking teammates. In addition to being an excellent pivot move, Teleport works well with Future Sight to bring in an offensive teammate such as Conkeldurr to capitalize on Future Sight absorbers, which are mainly Dark-types. Psyshock can be used over Psychic or Future Sight to prevent Slowking from becoming setup fodder for Calm Mind + Substitute Primarina and Meteor Beam Nihilego, though it makes Slowking more vulnerable to Conkeldurr. Colbur Berry allows Slowking to avoid an OHKO from Conkeldurr's Knock Off, improve its matchup against Mamoswine, and give it the ability to pivot against Hydreigon with Teleport. However, Heavy-Duty Boots can instead be used to keep Slowking from getting worn down by Spikes and Stealth Rock. 0 Speed IVs let Slowking underspeed opposing Slowking and gain momentum with a slower Teleport. 56 Special Defense EVs with a Sassy nature improve Slowking's matchup against foes such as Primarina and Moltres; however, it should be noted that this worsens Slowking's matchup against Zygarde-10%. Slowking fits best on bulky offense, VoltTurn, and balance teams that appreciate its ability to tank special attacks and pivot in strong wallbreakers. Frail wallbreakers such as Zygarde-10% and Thundurus-T appreciate Slowking's ability to safely pivot them onto the field via Teleport. These teammates also enjoy Future Sight pressuring Amoonguss and Nihilego. Slowking forms an excellent defensive core with Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Tangrowth, which appreciate its ability to switch into Fire-type attacks and check Poison-types such as Tentacruel. In return, they can come in on Grass- and Electric-types like Tapu Bulu, Zarude, and Thundurus-T that force out Slowking. Slowking forms a strong pivot core with Moltres, with Moltres pressuring Grass-types such as Tangrowth and Tapu Bulu and Slowking checking foes such as Keldeo. Slowking appreciates entry hazard control from teammates such as Excadrill, Mandibuzz, and Rotom-H. Skarmory is also a good teammate for Slowking, as it checks Zarude easily and helps against Mamoswine, Conkeldurr, and Scizor. Its Whirlwind also synergizes with Future Sight, heavily damaging shared checks like Thundurus-T or outright KOing Fighting-types. Hippowdon acts as a switch-in to Rotom-H, Raikou, and Choice Scarf Hydreigon for Slowking.

Set Details Slowking defines the usage of delay moves in CAP's metagame. Thanks to Teleport, it can almost always safely bring in a devastating wallbreaker to take advantage of Future Sight. Additionally, Slowking is one of the most consistent answers to common special attackers like Heatran, Equilibra, and Tomohawk, and its impressive special bulk even lets it scout hits from strong Choice item attackers like Jumbao, Dragapult, and Kyurem that can hit it super effectively. Always pair Slowking with wallbreakers like Garchomp, Rillaboom, and Urshifu-R; they all benefit from Slowking's Future Sight preventing physical walls like Landorus-T, Zapdos, and Tomohawk from reliably answering them and appreciate Teleport giving them safe entry onto the field. Fairy-types are also great teammates to have to help with Dark-types like Hydreigon, Chromera, and Colossoil that can block Future Sight and don't mind switching into Scald. Slowking is prone to ceding momentum to Bug-types like Scizor and Syclant and really struggles with Miasmaw denying it recovery, so Steel- and Flying-types like Corviknight and Tornadus-T are good teammates.

Slowking's good Special Defense combined with Assault Vest allows it to check Choice Specs users like Dragapult and Porygon-Z and Nasty Plot users like Hydreigon, Spectrier, and Tornadus-T. Water / Ground and Fire / Ground are Slowking's most useful type combinations due to their few weaknesses and useful immunities and resistances. Scald pressures opposing teams with its high burn chance and keeps Slowking from being passive. Although Slowking's Attack is below average, Earthquake gives it a useful Ground typing, allows it to 2HKO Dark / Poison Clefable, and pressures Magic Guard Clefable. Flamethrower can be used in place of Scald to better pressure Ground-immune foes like Steel / Dragon Hydreigon and Steel / Flying Mew and Salamence. Flamethrower also allows Slowking to check Fairy-type attackers like Magic Guard Clefable and Tapu Koko, both of which can pressure Water-type Slowking. Dragon Tail forces out special setup sweepers like Spectrier and Hydreigon. Future Sight pairs well with Dragon Tail, as Slowking can phaze Dark-type switch-ins and support offensive teammates. Slowking pairs well with Electric-type attackers like Latios, Victini, and Naganadel, as they can pressure the Water- and Flying-types like Mew, Latias, and Garchomp that check it. In return, Slowking's Future Sight can create opportunities to punch holes in the opposing team. Slowking is vulnerable to physical attackers like Entei and Garchomp, so it appreciates physically defensive teammates like Salamence and Landorus-T that can check them. These physically bulky teammates can also help Slowking by absorbing Knock Off, letting Slowking keep its added bulk from Assault Vest. Entry hazards like Spikes and Toxic Spikes make it harder for Slowking to check setup sweepers like Porygon-Z, Hydreigon, and Tornadus-T, so Defoggers like Latias and Mew are helpful. Slowking struggles with Fairy-type Calm Mind users like Cresselia, which is immune to Earthquake and Dragon Tail and can cripple Slowking with Toxic, and Electric / Fairy Clefable, which can beat Slowking one-on-one and is only 3HKOed by Earthquake. Therefore, Slowking appreciates Steel-type teammates like Excadrill, Garchomp, and Hydreigon that can take on these threats.

Scald can be used to fish for burns against Pokemon such as against Corviknight and deter physical attackers such as Bisharp from switching in. Slack Off, Regenerator, and Heavy-Duty Boots help Slowking with its longevity, as the former two provide recovery and the latter protects it from entry hazards like Toxic Spikes. Teleport + Future Sight is a potent combination that allows Slowking to safely bring in an offensive teammate and support them offensively by pressuring foes with an extra attack. Maximum HP and Special Defense investment maximizes Slowking's special bulk, allowing it to reliably switch into attacks like Choice Specs Latios's Draco Meteor and Nidoking's Earth Power or Thunderbolt. A Sassy nature alongside 0 Speed IVs allows Slowking to retain momentum against opposing Slowking with a slower Teleport. Urshifu-R can take on Steel- and Dark-types for Slowking such as Ferrothorn, Corviknight, Bisharp, Tyranitar, and Mandibuzz. Urshifu-R and Slowking form a potent offensive core that can make progress against types such as Water and Poison by using Future Sight, bringing in Urshifu-R safely with Teleport, and forcing a Pokemon to switch into both its attacks and Future Sight. While not as good as Urshifu-R, Keldeo can outspeed threats such as Zarude. Swampert is an Electric immunity, can take on Electric-types such as Zeraora with Earthquake, and provides Stealth Rock, which in tandem with Future Sight can wear down foes quickly. Toxapex can form a Regenerator core with Slowking, absorbing physical attacks such as Rillaboom's Grassy Glide and retaliating with Poison Jab. Choice Scarf Tapu Fini can take on Dark- and Dragon-types such as Zarude, Hydreigon, and Kyurem for Slowking. Additionally, it can cripple other walls by locking them into one attack with Trick or removing items such as Toxapex's Black Sludge with Knock Off. Crawdaunt can put in work against Psychic and Ghost teams, taking on opposing walls such as Slowbro and Galarian Corsola. Rotom-W can clear entry hazards with Defog, act as a revenge killer with Choice Scarf, and dent Choice Specs Zapdos. It can also use Trick to lock foes into an unfavorable move.

Slowking is a formidable specially defensive pivot that uses its good defensive typing, wide coverage, and ability to pivot with Flip Turn to check threats like Keldeo, Latios, and Heatran. With Assault Vest, Slowking can check a plethora of special attackers like Alakazam, Heatran, and Cloyster. Flip Turn helps Slowking gain momentum against switch-ins like Hydreigon, Rotom-W, and Kyurem by bringing in the likes of Terrakion, Aerodactyl, and other attackers that struggle with switching in safely. Flip Turn also helps Slowking check setup sweepers it cannot beat on its own, like Clefable and Sylveon, by pivoting in powerful wallbreakers like Nidoking and Melmetal to force them out. Future Sight helps Slowking's teammates break through their checks. Steam Eruption does heavy damage to neutral targets like Clefable and Tornadus-T and can threaten burns against physical attackers attempting to switch in like Rillaboom and Dracozolt. Scald can also be used, as while it's noticeably weaker, its higher PP count is better suited for bulkier teams. Grass Knot lets Slowking hit Seismitoad, which otherwise threatens to wall and potentially trap Slowking. Flamethrower can be run to catch Ferrothorn off guard and check Cotton Guard variants. Lastly, Psystrike is a solid STAB move that lets Slowking do immediate damage to Toxapex and Urshifu-R, but gives up a coverage option. The EV spread lets Slowking avoid the 2HKO from offensive Tornadus-T and +1 Urshifu-R's Close Combat, while the rest is put in Special Defense to be a better special pivot. Offensive threats like Aerodactyl and Kyurem that struggle to get onto the field safely appreciate Slowking's pivoting support. As a special wall, Slowking is noticeably weaker on the physical side against physical attackers like Aerodactyl, Rillaboom, and Terrakion; physically defensive teammates like Ferrothorn and Buzzwole can help patch this weakness up. The latter can also switch into Dark-types like Tyranitar and Weavile, which otherwise pressure Slowking immensely. Slowking is usually unable to KO Calm Mind sweepers like Reuniclus and Clefable, so it needs a teammate to pivot to like Melmetal, Tyranitar, or Nidoking that can break through them. Electric-types like Zeraora and Thundurus-T pressure Slowking heavily, so checks to these like Mudsdale, Ferrothorn, and Tyranitar are great teammates. Lastly, physical wallbreakers like Urshifu-R and Cinderace really appreciate Slowking's Future Sight support to pressure switch-ins like Toxapex, Rotom-W, and Mudsdale.

With a Defense donation to its name, Slowking possesses great mixed bulk. With superb durability, reliable recovery, and access to Teleport, Slowking cements itself as one of the best defensive pivots in the tier. Scald is the preferred STAB move, as its burn chance can chip down defensive Pokemon like Tangrowth and Ferrothorn and cripple physical attackers like Zeraora, Rillaboom, and Weavile that may try to switch in. Future Sight can force many Pokemon out to disrupt an opponent's momentum and also deals significant chunks of damage to neutral targets if it lands. It also allows Slowking to aid physical wallbreaking teammates by setting up Future Sight, slow pivoting them onto the field safely, and forcing the opposing physical wall to take Future Sight damage the same turn it switches in. Slack Off is necessary to keep Slowking healthy, as Regenerator is often not enough to keep it fully healthy. Teleport is an excellent way to bring in frail teammates safely, as Slowking has good matchups versus common Pokemon like Necrozma-DM, Heatran, Ho-Oh, and Calyrex-I and can switch into them and stomach a hit before pivoting out. Heavy-Duty Boots lets Slowking pivot around more freely, but Leftovers can be run if reliable entry hazard removal is present. Regenerator allows Slowking to still recover HP while pivoting out. A Relaxed nature alongside minimum Speed IVs ensure that Slowking will move last as often as possible and speed tie with Slowbro and opposing Slowking when pivoting. Slowking should receive its Defense stat from bulky gods like Necrozma-DM, Zamazenta-C, and Calyrex-I. Frail Pokemon like Zeraora and Weavile, as well as setup sweepers like Necrozma-DM, Kartana, and Mimikyu, love to be brought in by Teleport. Those same Pokemon also love Slowking's ability to spread burns, chipping walls and crippling physical attackers. Slowking pairs especially well with physical wallbreakers, as their checks are more significantly pressured by Future Sight. Slowking can force out Fire-types like Heatran and Victini locked into V-create, which is appreciated by Steel-type teammates like Ferrothorn and Skarmory. Slowking is vulnerable to Electric-types like Zeraora and Tapu Koko, so Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp are good teammates. Slowking's Psychic typing makes it weak to Knock Off, teammates that resist Dark like Buzzwole, Clefable, and Tapu Fini are useful to have around. Slowking pairs well with other Regenerator users like Tornadus-T, Ho-Oh, and Tangrowth, as they can form infamous Regenerator cores and soft check a wide range of threats.

Slowking's great special bulk, typing, and combination of Future Sight, Teleport, and Regenerator make it a decent specially defensive pivot in the metagame. It checks various dangerous threats such as Tapu Lele and Heatran, and it can easily set up advantageous situations for its teammates like Mega Lopunny and Weavile with Future Sight and Teleport. However, it is a specially bulky Water-type that cannot handle Ash-Greninja at all, and it's completely outclassed by Slowbro and Galarian Slowking in the Future Sight department. Its low Defense and Dark weakness leave it vulnerable to physical attackers like Mega Lopunny, Garchomp, and Pursuit users like Weavile and Tyranitar, even though all of these fear Scald. Thus, Slowking struggles to fit on teams, and it's almost entirely outclassed by other Water-types such as Slowbro, Toxapex, and Tapu Fini. Future Sight prevents Pokemon such as Toxapex, Clefable, and Kommo-o from switching in safely on Slowking's teammates like Mega Charizard Y and Mega Lopunny until it lands, often leading to checkmate situations. Teleport grants free switches in for Slowking's frail teammates like Weavile and Mega Medicham. Slack Off and Regenerator make it a good long-term check to threats like Heatran and Tapu Lele. Heavy-Duty Boots cancels entry hazard damage, letting it pivot more easily. The given EV spread lets it tank two Moonblasts from Choice Specs Tapu Lele from full health. Slowking fits best on balance and bulky offense teams. Pokemon like Ash-Greninja, Mega Lopunny, Mega Charizard Y, and Weavile greatly appreciate Slowking's Future Sight support, which can let them overwhelm their checks like Toxapex, Kommo-o, and Clefable, as well as the free switch-in opportunities from Teleport. It being a Water-type that cannot check Ash-Greninja makes Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu, Kommo-o, and Amoonguss mandatory partners. Slowking is very vulnerable to Grass-types like Rillaboom, Serperior, and Kartana, so good checks to these like Corviknight, Zapdos, and Tangrowth make for good teammates. Good checks to Dark-types like Weavile, Hydreigon, Tyranitar, which can overwhelm or Pursuit trap Slowking, include Kommo-o, Corviknight, and Clefable. Pokemon such as Clefable, Mega Lopunny, and Ferrothorn appreciate Slowking checking Tapu Lele and Heatran. Amoonguss, Gliscor, and Ferrothorn can handle Electric-types for Slowking. Finally, Slowking is easily overwhelmed by physical attackers like Mega Lopunny, Mega Mawile, and Garchomp due to its mediocre physical bulk, but teammates like Corviknight and Landorus-T can handle these threats well.

Moves Scald is Slowking's main STAB move, allowing it to check Fire-types and deny free switch-ins to physical attackers, such as Tsareena and Pangoro. Despite it not hitting immediately, Future Sight allows Slowking to limit future switches because it hits very hard. Fire Blast hits Grass-types such as Shaymin and Roserade as well as Steel-types such as Escavalier. Dragon Tail prevents Slowking from being setup fodder for Snorlax, Escavalier, and other bulky setup sweepers. It also works nicely with Future Sight because the foe will try to play around it by switching into a Dark- or Steel-type, which Dragon Tail will phaze out. Ice Beam is an option that allows Slowking to check Swellow, Dragalge, and Noivern more reliably. Set Details An Assault Vest bolsters Slowking's already great Special Defense, allowing it to act as a blanket check to special attackers. The main issue with running Assault Vest is that Slowking cannot run Slack Off, but Regenerator makes up for this and allows Slowking to check these attackers throughout the match. 252 HP EVs and 80 Special Defense EVs are used in order to take +2 Acid Downpour from Salazzle after Stealth Rock and check Swellow more reliably. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Attack, which, along with a Modest nature, allows Slowking to hit harder. Slowking can run many alternative EV spreads to check different threats. For example, it can run 136 Defense EVs to take Adamant Zygarde-10%'s Devastating Drake and Barbaracle's +2 Stone Edge, both after Stealth Rock. These are just two examples of alternative EV spreads; spreads with Speed investment to outspeed Bronzong or more Special Defense investment to be more forgiving against Salazzle are also possible. Usage Tips Pivot Slowking into Pokemon that it checks, such as Nidoqueen, Salazzle, and Sigilyph, so it can threaten the opposing team by using Future Sight or another STAB move. Remember that Regenerator is Slowking's only way of gaining back health, so it is even more important to pivot Slowking into Pokemon that it checks so it can recover health with its ability while avoiding losing it unnecessarily. Threaten physical attackers that try to switch into Slowking by going for Scald, which has a chance to burn and cripple them. Use Dragon Tail if you predict that the foe will attempt to set up. This is especially helpful against foes that cannot OHKO Slowking such as Snorlax, but you should be careful if the Pokemon in question is a strong physical attacker such as Dragon Dance Zygarde-10%. In conjunction with entry hazards, use Dragon Tail to wear down the opposing team quickly. Team Options Slowking has a hard time taking on powerful physical attackers, even ones that do not have powerful super effective coverage, such as Bewear and Tyrantrum. As a result, Pokemon that take on these threats, such as Metagross, Rhyperior, Bronzong, and Mandibuzz, make for great partners. Golisopod also takes on some of these attackers while setting up Spikes, which Slowking can exploit by using Dragon Tail, and also revenge killing Grass- and Dark-types with First Impression. Grass-types such as Shaymin and Roserade make for good teammates, as they take on the Grass- and Electric-types that threaten Slowking, like Raikou and Tsareena. They also appreciate Slowking taking on the Fire-types that threaten them. Similarly, Slowking appreciates teammates that can take on the Dark- and Ghost-types that threaten it. Examples of such Pokemon are Passimian, Florges, and Snorlax. U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Flygon, Mandibuzz, and Mega Ampharos can give Slowking more opportunities to switch in, thus maximizing the amount of health it gains back from Regenerator.

Moves Scald has a 30% chance to burn the foe, and Slack Off is used to recover HP. Calm Mind is used to boost Slowking's Special Attack and Special Defense, letting it sweep. Psyshock is an alternate STAB move and helps in winning Calm Mind wars. Thunder Wave can be used instead to cripple faster frail attackers like Absol on the switch in. Set Details The EVs maximize Slowking's physical bulk, since Calm Mind boosts Special Attack and Special Defense, so they don't need investment. A spread of 248 HP / 224 Def / 24 SpA with Psychic in place of Psyshock can be run instead if you wish to beat Bulk Up Gurdurr. The remaining EVs are placed in Speed to outrun opposing uninvested base 30s. Leftovers provides Slowking with a form of recovery. A Colbur Berry can be used to endure a Knock Off. Leftovers makes Slowking more adept in checking the likes of Emboar and Medicham, while Colbur Berry helps deal with Pokemon with Dark-type coverage such as Hitmonlee and Sawk. It also makes Slowking less susceptible to Pursuit. Regenerator keeps Slowking healthy until it's ready to start boosting. Usage Tips Unlike other boosting sweepers, Slowking should be played as a defensive tank early- and mid-game. Then, when your opponent's team has been weakened, Slowking can boost and try to a sweep. Avoid setting up while Slowking's counters, like Jellicent and Rotom-C, are still standing. Be wary of status, as Slowking has no means of curing itself. This set is best used on bulky offense teams as a check to Fighting-types that still has offensive presence. Team Options Clerics like Aromatisse and Diancie are appreciated, as poison and burns will worsen Slowking's ability to check opposing Fighting-types. They can both also check Dark-types for Slowking. Specially defensive Druddigon can take the Grass- and Electric-type moves Slowking draws in, while Slowking can take the Ice-type moves Druddigon attracts. Pokemon like Scrafty and Mega Glalie that appreciate having a check to Fighting-types pair well with this set. Registeel appreciates having a teammate that can switch into the Fighting- and Fire-type moves it is weak to. It can also set up Stealth Rock and switch in on Grass- and Bug-type moves for Slowking. Mega Camerupt can also wall most Electric-types and set up Stealth Rock for Slowking. Escavalier can switch in on the Grass-type moves Slowking is weak to (even Sleep Powder courtesy of Overcoat), while Slowking can switch in on the Fire-type moves Escavalier fears.

Moves Scald hits decently hard and has a good chance to burn. Future Sight hits extremely hard and helps Slowking force switches. Fire Blast toasts bulky Grass- and Steel-types. Dragon Tail is used to phaze foes and prevents Slowking from becoming setup fodder. It can also prevent your opponent from switching to a Dark-type to tank Future Sight if used at the right time. Grass Knot can also be used to hit opposing Slowking as well as Seismitoad and Gastrodon. Set Details 248 HP EVs give Slowking good overall bulk while also giving it a HP stat divisible by 3, thus maximizing the recovery gained through Regenerator. 92 Defense EVs let Slowking survive Fletchling's Acrobatics after Stealth Rock and OHKO with Scald. The remaining EVs are placed in Special Attack for more firepower. An Assault Vest gives Slowking amazing special bulk, making it virtually impossible to OHKO with special attacks. Regenerator provides Slowking with a form of recovery that many Assault Vest users lack. Usage Tips This set is best used as a special tank, so pivot Slowking into special attackers that it can wall like special Flygon and Meloetta. Scald is generally the go-to move, as its high chance to burn can cripple many of the physical attackers Slowking draws in. This set is more susceptible to Pursuit due to its lower physical bulk, so be wary of physically inclined Dark-types like Absol and Spiritomb. Team Options Pokemon with low Special Defense like Rhyperior enjoy having this set around, as it can take many of the special moves they draw in. Fighting- and Fairy-types like Virizion and Granbull are also good teammates, as they can check the Dark-types Slowking lures. They can also force out the Dark-types that might try to tank a Future Sight. Registeel and Rhyperior can set up Stealth Rock for Slowking; they can switch in on the Electric-type moves Slowking is weak to, with the former also being able to tank Grass- and Bug-type attacks that Slowking fears. In turn, Slowking can switch in on the Fighting- and, in Rhyperior's case, Water-type moves they are weak to. Escavalier can beat Venusaur that lack Hidden Power Fire due to its 4x Grass resistance and Overcoat, making it immune to Sleep Powder.

Moves Trick Room turns Slowking's poor Speed into a strength, letting it strike before anything not using a priority move. Scald lets Slowking perform its role as a tank before setting up Trick Room. Psychic is the alternate STAB move, dealing heavy damage to physical walls like Golbat and Alomomola, though Psyshock can be used to OHKO Virizion. Fire Blast gets great coverage with Slowking's STAB moves, OHKOing Assault Vest Escavalier. However, if you don't need the coverage, Nasty Plot can be used to boost Slowking's Special Attack to massive levels. Grass Knot can also be used to hit opposing Slowking as well as Seismitoad and Gastrodon. Set Details The given EVs maximize Slowking's HP to give Slowking good bulk, with Special Attack maximized to do as much damage as possible. The rest of the EVs are put in Defense to cushion Slowking slightly from priority moves. A Quiet nature and 0 Speed IVs are used to make Slowking as slow as possible. A Life Orb is used as the item to give Slowking as much power as it can get. However, Leftovers should be used if running Nasty Plot, as it can make setting up easier. If Slowking is forced out, Regenerator heals a good chunk of health, possibly giving it another chance to sweep. Usage Tips This set is best used as a late-game sweeper, so ideally, don't send Slowking in until your opponent's walls have been weakened or removed. You use this set much like any other sweeper: come in on something Slowking forces out, like a Choice-locked Fighting-type locked into their STAB move or a defensive Poison-type (watch out for Sleep Powder from Venusaur, though), use Trick Room, and KO as many Pokemon as you can. While Slowking isn't frail, it shouldn't be used to sponge hits, as it doesn't have Defense or Special Defense investment. Team Options As with any sweeper, strong wallbreakers like Choice Specs Exploud and Choice Band Rhyperior make for good teammates to soften up the opponent's team. Entry hazards are always appreciated. Rhyperior and Druddigon can both set up Stealth Rock for Slowking to help it get KOs more easily. Additionally, they can both switch into the Electric-type moves Slowking is weak to, while Slowking in return can switch into the Water- and Fighting-type moves Rhyperior is vulnerable to and the Ice-type moves Druddigon should be wary of. Escavalier can take out most of the Grass-types Slowking fears, and due to its base 20 Speed it can take advantage of Trick Room well too. Mega Camerupt walls most Electric-types and can also utilize Trick Room.

Moves Scald is Slowking's main STAB move and is respectably strong while having a chance to burn enemies. Slack Off restores half of Slowking's health and, along with Regenerator, lets it easily stay healthy throughout a match. Thunder Wave cripples some common offensive switch-ins to Slowking, such as Hydreigon and Mega Sharpedo, and offers a lot of utility in general. Psyshock is the primary option in the last slot that provides Slowking with a secondary STAB move to hit Poison-types and Fighting-types, such as Roserade, Machamp, and Crobat, for significant damage. Alternatively, Dragon Tail can be used to rack up entry hazard damage on targets and preventing boosted Pokemon such as Suicune from sweeping, while Ice Beam allows Slowking to hit Dragon-types and Ice-types that resist its Scald. Set Details With the given EV spread and nature, Slowking has great physical bulk and is able reliably counter the myriad of Fire-, Rock-, and Fighting-types, such as Cobalion, Infernape, Entei, Mega Aerodactyl, and Darmanitan. Its Special Defense is impressive even without EV investment and allows it to check the likes of Dragalge quite well. Regenerator restores 1/3 of Slowking's HP whenever it switches out, making it less reliant on using turns to Slack Off. Leftovers adds to Slowking's passive recovery. Alternatively, Slowking can use a more specially defensive spread of 248 HP / 164 Def / 96 SpD with a Calm nature in order to more reliably switch into powerful special attackers, such as Life Orb Nidoqueen, while still retaining the ability to check common physical attackers, such as Choice Scarf Darmanitan. However, keep in mind that this spread fares a lot worse against powerful physical wallbreakers. Usage Tips Defensive Slowking is best used on balanced teams with a defensive partners to fall back upon. Slowking can use its great resistances to wall certain Pokemon such as Mienshao and Darmanitan, but it must be careful of switching into U-turn. Avoid letting Slowking get burned or poisoned, as both cripple it to the point of no longer being able to switch into Pokemon. Use Dragon Tail against obvious switches that can take any of Slowking's other moves, such as Shaymin. If using Calm Mind, do not attempt to sweep until powerful Electric- and Grass-types have been removed. While Slowking can phaze RestTalk Suicune, it cannot deal with Substitute + Calm Mind variants, which set up easily on Defensive Slowking that lack Calm Mind. Team Options Slowking is crippled by burns and poison, so cleric support is greatly appreciated. Florges is an example of a cleric that has great defensive synergy with Slowking. Pokemon that can deal with strong Electric- and Grass-type Pokemon are necessary as teammates. Chesnaught makes for an excellent partner, as it can check these types while also absorbing Knock Off and setting up Spikes to take advantage of Slowking's Dragon Tail.

Moves Scald is Slowking's best Water-type STAB move and is respectably powerful with a chance to burn its targets. Either Psychic or Psyshock can be used as the second STAB move; Psychic hits harder overall, while Psyshock does more damage to special walls such as Vaporeon and Blissey. Dragon Tail is a very useful move that deters foes from setting up and provides chip damage on Slowking's switch-ins. Fire Blast deals considerable damage to Steel- and Grass-types, such as Mega Aggron and Shaymin, respectively. Alternatively, Ice Beam can be used to hit Grass- and Dragon types, including Hydreigon, one of Slowking's most common switch-ins. Other possible coverage moves include Focus Blast, which hits certain special walls such as Umbreon, and Grass Knot, which hits opposing Water-types such as Swampert and Mega Blastoise. Set Details Assault Vest allows Slowking to easily tank most special attacks from the likes of Nidoqueen and Dragalge. 252 EVs are placed into Special Attack with a Modest nature to allow Slowking to hit as hard as possible, complementing its respectable base 100 Special Attack. 252 EVs in HP give Slowking great bulk. The remaining EVs are placed into Speed to let Slowking outspeed other base 30 Speed Pokemon, such as Snorlax and opposing Slowking. Regenerator restores 33% of Slowking's HP when it switches out, enabling it to stay relatively healthy throughout the length of a battle. A Quiet nature with the extra EVs placed into Special Defense can be used in order for Dragon Tail to hit slightly harder. Usage Tips This set works well on bulky offense and functions as a pivot and a special tank while also hitting hard thanks to the investment in Special Attack. Slowking can check a large number of special attackers and can switch into those that don't have a STAB super effective move, such as Nidoqueen, Infernape, and Espeon. In addition, it can check specially-oriented setup sweepers that lack Substitute thanks to Dragon Tail. If absolutely necessary, Slowking can tank super effective STAB moves from full health such as Choice Scarf Hydreigon's Dark Pulse, Life Orb Shaymin's Seed Flare, and Mega Ampharos's Thunderbolt. Team Options A burn or poison severely hampers Slowking's ability to check special attackers, so a status absorber or a cleric is useful. Guts Heracross works particularly well as a partner, as it absorbs status and pressures the defensive Pokemon that give Slowking trouble. Florges and Aromatisse have good synergy with Slowking, and the former can check some special attackers that give Slowking trouble, such as Mega Blastoise, Mega Ampharos, and Hydreigon. Chesnaught is a good physically defensive Pokemon to pair with Slowking; it provides Spikes to complement Slowking's Dragon Tail and can check certain Pokemon that give Slowking trouble, such as Roserade.

Moves Surf is Slowking's most powerful Water-type STAB move; Scald is nearly as powerful and has a chance to burn targets. Psyshock hits special walls such as Blissey on their weaker physical defense; Future Sight is enormously powerful and puts huge pressure on opposing switch-ins. Fire Blast and Ice Beam both hit Grass-types that can otherwise switch in easily to Slowking, but Ice Beam also hits Dragon-types such as Hydreigon and Mega Ampharos for super effective damage. Trick cripples special walls that give Slowking trouble, such as Umbreon and Vaporeon. Alternate moves include Focus Blast, which deals major damage to many of Slowking's switch-ins such as Umbreon, Porygon2, and Empoleon, and Grass Knot which dents opposing Water-types, such as Suicune and Mega Blastoise. Set Details Special Attack is maximized with 252 EVs and a Modest nature to hit as hard as possible. Choice Specs enables Slowking to function as a surprisingly strong wallbreaker. 252 EVs in HP are used to make Slowking bulkier, as significant Speed investment is not necessary thanks to Slowking's dismal base Speed. The remaining EVs are placed into Speed to outspeed other base 30 Speed Pokemon such as Snorlax. Regenerator makes it difficult for enemies to wear Slowking down and allows it to use its resistances to switch in multiple times throughout a game. Usage Tips Choice Specs Slowking works best on bulky offense. It can serve as a check to several attackers due to its bulk and typing and proceed to fire off powerful Choice Specs-boosted attacks. Use an appropriate coverage move on Pokemon that are likely to switch in initially, such as Psyshock on Roserade or Ice Beam on Hydreigon. Use Trick to cripple walls and bulky setup sweepers, such as Umbreon and CurseLax, respectively. Follow up Future Sight by pivoting into another powerful wallbreaker that can defeat Pokemon that are likely to switch in. Team Options Slowking appreciates partners that are immune to Volt Switch, as it cannot OHKO most Electric-types and is forced out after they switch in. Mega Sceptile works well, as it checks most Electric- and Grass-types and appreciates Slowking's ability to wear down or cripple special walls. Physical wallbreakers such as Lucario and Darmanitan can break through many of Slowking's counters. Heracross has fantastic synergy with Slowking, especially if Slowking carries Future Sight, as Heracross destroys all Pokemon that can take a Choice Specs-boosted Future Sight, such as Umbreon and Empoleon. Choice Band Goodra also has great synergy with Slowking, especially with Sap Sipper, and it can defeat opposing special walls. Trick Room support can turn Choice Specs Slowking into a "fast" wallbreaker, although Slowking doesn't synergize well with most Trick Room setters.

Moves Calm Mind boosts Slowking's Special Attack and Special Defense, while Nasty Plot is an alternate choice that boosts Slowking's Special Attack more quickly but leaves it more vulnerable to special attackers. Scald and Psyshock are Slowking's STAB moves, the former of which threatens physical attackers and the latter of which helps Slowking defeat other Calm Mind users and special walls. Slack Off lets Slowking stay healthy while it boosts. Set Details The EVs and nature maximize Slowking's Defense. No Special Defense investment is needed if it will be boosted with Calm Mind, but a mixed spread of 252 HP / 160 Def / 96 SpD with a Calm nature can be used if Nasty Plot is the boosting move of choice. Regenerator restores 33% of Slowking's HP as it switches out, allowing it to be less reliant on Slack Off. Leftovers provides Slowking with additional passive recovery and keeps it healthy in tandem with Regenerator and Slack Off. Usage Tips This set works best on balanced teams that need a win condition against opposing Calm Mind users such as Suicune and Florges. Slowking can check and set up on Fire- and Fighting-types thanks to its typing. However, it should not attempt to sweep while faster powerful attackers with super effective moves, such as Mega Ampharos, Krookodile, and Shaymin, remain healthy on the opponent's side. Team Options Slowking pairs well with Florges or Aromatisse, as Slowking checks Fire- and Steel-types while the Fairies check other special attackers and provide Slowking with cleric support. Toxic Spikes must be cleared for this set to perform its role; Roserade absorbs them, has good synergy with Slowking, and can also set up Toxic Spikes of its own. Guts Machamp can take advantage of status directed at Slowking and can check threats such as Hydreigon.

Moves Trick Room lets Slowking and its slower teammates move first in battle against most other Pokemon. Scald can be used as a Water-type STAB move to attempt to cripple switch-ins such as Empoleon early in the game while also deterring physical attackers from staying in on Slowking. Surf can be used instead for more power than Scald. Psyshock is Slowking's secondary STAB move and lets Slowking deal good damage to special walls. Slowking can use a coverage move in the final slot: Fire Blast hits Steel- and Grass-types harder than other moves, while Ice Beam hits the Grass- and Dragon-types that typically give Slowking trouble. Alternatively, Nasty Plot can be used to boost Slowking's Special Attack and complements its decent natural power, letting it defeat Pokemon such as Vaporeon and Calm Mind Suicune. Slowking has access to more coverage moves, including Grass Knot and Focus Blast. Set Details Slowking's Special Attack is maximized with 252 EVs and a Quiet nature so that it can hit as hard as possible. 252 HP EVs give Slowking much-needed bulk. 0 Speed IVs combined with a Quiet nature allow Slowking to underspeed the entire tier under Trick Room. Leftovers increases Slowking's longevity and somewhat mitigates passive damage caused by status; on the other hand, Life Orb greatly increases Slowking's power, giving it an easier time against walls such as Vaporeon. Colbur Berry is an option to allow Slowking to reliably survive most Dark-type attacks and set up Trick Room, but this should only be used on fully offensive teams that revolve around Trick Room being set up. Usage Tips This set works well on very offensive teams, especially those that have other members that can make use of Slowking's Trick Room. However, offensive Trick Room Slowking is also a good stand-alone sweeper and win condition that doesn't need to support its teammates, especially if it carries Nasty Plot. Slowking's bulk, typing, and recovery provided by Regenerator allow it to often set up multiple times in a game. It can set up on the plethora of Pokemon that can't do much to Slowking, including Suicune, Forretress, and Arcanine. On Trick Room teams, Slowking should use Trick Room first early-game on a setup opportunity to give itself and its teammates more options the following turn. However, it should use Nasty Plot first, followed by Trick Room, when attempting to sweep or wallbreak so that it has more turns to deal damage under Trick Room. Team Options Slower Pokemon that can abuse Trick Room, such as Rhyperior, Mega Ampharos, and Snorlax, make for great partners to Slowking. In particular, Escavalier and Mega Abomasnow have great type synergy with Slowking; Slowking can stand up to the Fire- and Steel-types that give these two Pokemon trouble, while both of the two can handle Grass-types and Mega Abomasnow can check most Electric-types. Entry hazard support, especially Toxic Spikes, makes it much easier for Slowking and its teammates to break down walls.

This set attempts to use all of Slowking's best traits. With the heavy EV investment in physical bulk, Slowking is able to keep many strong physical Fire- and Fighting-types, such as Entei, Emboar, and Hitmonlee, in check early on, while also being able to sweep late-game once it has obtained a Calm Mind boost. Speaking of Calm Mind, it is the key to this set's flexibility. Slowking can boost its Special Attack and Special Defense to hit much harder and to take special attacks that much better. Scald is Slowking's primary STAB move and allows Slowking to deter physical attackers from just coming in without risk. The 30% burn chance can be very handy when it comes to setting up later in the game. Fire Blast is a great move for Slowking as the move allows it to nail the likes of Escavalier, Ferroseed, and Tangrowth. If these threats are covered, Psyshock is a worthy alternative. With Psyshock, Slowking can break past Poliwrath and Qwilfish much more easily while also faring well against Calm Mind Sigilyph, an ability that few other Pokemon in the tier can boast. Slack Off rounds off the set by giving Slowking reliable recovery so it can continue to pivot in and out early on in a game and to sweep late-game. The EV spread gives Slowking as much physical bulk as possible while also aiming to outspeed minimum Speed Spiritomb. However, because Escavalier is a grave threat to Slowking and also aims for the same Speed benchmark, it may be worth your while to add a few extra Speed EVs to ensure Slowking can outpace all Escavalier and hit them with Fire Blast. Flamethrower is a more reliable Fire-type move that has perfect accuracy and much more PP than Fire Blast. However, the drop in power prevents Slowking from getting the OHKO on Escavalier without a boost. Ice Beam can be used if your team really struggles with Druddigon, but this leaves Slowking eternally walled by most bulky Water-types, which are Pokemon Slowking can easily use as setup fodder late-game. Slowking loves being able to get more than one Calm Mind boost late-game and Toxic Spikes support can allow it to stall out many threats as it does this. For this reason, Roselia can be a great partner as it can switch into many of the Grass- and Electric-type moves Slowking hates having to deal with and use these threats as Toxic Spikes bait. The two also make a solid defensive core that can check many threats and Slowking gives the core a win condition late-game. Slowking likes the presence of powerful wallbreakers to weaken the opposing team so it doesn't need more than one or two Calm Mind boosts to sweep. Moltres, Rotom-C, and special attacker Manectric are good for this role as they can force heavy damage onto most defensive cores with their powerful attacks. Escavalier is much slower than these wallbreakers, but it can easily switch in on most Grass-, Dark-, and Ghost-type Pokemon Slowking hates dealing with. Druddigon is another slower wallbreaker that can switch in on Grass-type moves, but it also fares much better against Electric-types. Absol, Escavalier, and Spiritomb are the biggest threats for this set. Emboar fares well against all three while Moltres and Aggron generally fare well against Escavalier and Spiritomb. Do note, though, that all three of these threats can be crippled by a burn should they try to switch-in and be met with a Scald.

Slowking is best utilized by running a defensive set and it works great as a defensive pivot. Bulky Water-types are generally considered to be an important component to any team, and while Slowking doesn't have as many resistances as other bulky Water-types such as Lanturn or Qwilfish, it makes up for it with its incredible staying power. Unlike other bulky Water-types, it has access to instant recovery, and, thanks to Regenerator, Slowking isn't deterred very much by entry hazards compared to other Pokemon. Regenerator also means that it can switch into a resisted hit, land a hit on the foe and then switch out with very little health loss. With key resistances to attacking types such as Fighting-, Fire-, and Ice-moves, Slowking has many opportunities to switch in. The always-infuriating Scald is the main STAB move, and its chance to burn the opponent can help soften blows. Along with this side effect, the ability to hit dangerous threats such as Moltres, Magmortar, and Entei for super effective damage helps it retaliate. As mentioned before, Slack Off allows Slowking to heal even further, meaning it has even more recovery and can heal itself without having to switch out. Slowking also has room for another offensive move. Psyshock gets a STAB boost, and hits Fighting-types and special walls like Cryogonal hard. However, Fire Blast gets the advantage of being able to hit Escavalier and Grass-type Pokemon on the switch. Be warned though that while Escavalier is slower than Slowking, many Escavalier might try to invest in their Speed in order to outspeed Slowking. The last slot comes into play for a status move, and is ultimately dependent on how it's used. In the case that Slowking is switching out often, Thunder Wave is the more preferable option, as it cripples offensive Pokemon that rely on their Speed, even if Slowking cannot hit them hard. However, Toxic is usable as it cripples defensive Pokemon such as opposing Slowking to prevent the annoying Slowking vs Slowking stalemate, or it can wear down an opponent if Slowking isn't repeatedly switching out. However, in the long run, most Pokemon are crippled more by Thunder Wave or a burn caused by Scald. The EV spread allows Slowking to avoid getting OHKOed by Choice Band Drapion's and Choice Band Escavalier's Pursuit when switching out. However, a more specially defensive spread of 248 HP / 76 Def / 184 SpD is able to avoid a 2HKO from Life Orb Timid Moltres's Hurricane assuming there are no hazards up, which also makes it one of the few Pokemon able to avoid that as well. Slowking can be used as a dedicated special or physical wall with the straightforward EVs, but with these spreads Slowking becomes less of a pivot and less of a solution to hard-hitting foes on the uninvested side. Leftovers should be used here as the item choice, as its extra healing effects work well with all the other HP recovery Slowking can get. One of the main advantages of Slowking is how easy it is to fit onto a team, but one suggestion is that Electric-type Pokemon, especially those that are immune to Thunder Wave, such as Manectric and Electivire, should be dealt with by teammates. Slowking's weakness to Grass-type moves is also troublesome due to how common they are in the tier. Druddigon makes a great partner due to this—its relatively good bulk, resistance to Electric-, Grass-, and Fire-type coverage moves, as well as its high Attack lets it prey on these Pokemon with its Dragon STAB alone. Pursuit users such as Drapion and Spiritomb are also dangerous, as they can make Slowking's tendency to switch in and out more difficult, making Steelix a good partner because it can take hits from common Pursuit users with ease. Slowking aids a lot of Pokemon with its utility, and one common strategy is to pair it up with other Pokemon with Regenerator such as Tangrowth and Amoonguss. In particular, these Grass-types are aided by Slowking, as it can easily take Fire-type moves for both of them. Amoonguss can also help out Slowking by taking on Grass-types fairly easily with its Poison STAB. Steel-types like Steelix and Escavalier cannot deal with Fire-type Pokemon very well, and because of this, Slowking pairs up well with them.

Slowking is normally extremely slow, but even then, it can easily turn this otherwise crippling flaw into its advantage after it uses Trick Room. With absolute minimum Speed, it gets down to 58 Speed, enough to "outspeed" everything in the tier except for Ferroseed and Munchlax, both of which pose no threat offensively toward Slowking. Trick Room also has the advantage of messing with the Speed stats of common Pokemon that hit Slowking hard, such as Manectric or Sceptile, as under these conditions they have a much harder time dealing with Slowking since they must take a hit. Surf is used as the main STAB, and it does quite a bit of damage to the foe if they don't resist it. Fire Blast has decent coverage with Surf, as it destroys Grass-types that resist Surf. The combination of these two moves are only resisted by Water- and Dragon-types. The options for the final slot are both useful, but sadly Slowking only has room for one of them. Nasty Plot allows Slowking to sweep, as at +2 it is difficult to wall without the two aforementioned types. However, Psyshock gets STAB and hits Fighting-types very hard, as well as special walls such as Clefable and Cryogonal. Despite having maximum Special Attack on this set, Leftovers is preferred here, as Slowking is one of the few offensive Pokemon within the tier with access to Trick Room, so keeping it alive is important to set it up more than once. However, a Life Orb lets it hit quite a bit harder, and thanks to Regenerator, it can recover lost HP when it switches out. Slowking could potentially run a bulkier EV spread, possibly with Slack Off for instant recovery over Psyshock or Nasty Plot, if Slowking is used defensively rather than offensively. However, from there it gets quite a bit of competition from Uxie. In addition, instant recovery is risky, as it makes Slowking lose a valuable turn on the already-limited Trick Room. Like any other Trick Room user, pairing Slowking up with other slow offensive Pokemon is very helpful, as under these conditions they can be similar to Slowking—powerful, relatively bulky, and hard to outspeed. Examples of such Pokemon are offensive Tangrowth, Bouffalant, and Escavalier, since they are all normally slow. Since all of them don't need to use Trick Room, they can provide even more offensive coverage and hit more relevant targets. If Nasty Plot is used over Psyshock, this set is walled by Water-types such as opposing Slowking and Lanturn. For these foes, Tangrowth is still a good choice, but other slow Grass-types like Amoonguss can work against these Pokemon. Druddigon is a dangerous opponent for this set, as it resists Fire Blast and Surf, can use Outrage to destroy Slowking, or utilize Sucker Punch to ignore the problem of getting outsped. Since most Druddigon are holding a Choice item, Steel-types such as Steelix can take hits from Druddigon, and they can also usually take a Superpower due to their high physical defense.

Although Slowking is usually seen being played defensively, Slowking still has a fairly good Special Attack stat, as well as a very wide offensive movepool to utilize, making Choice Specs a good item for Slowking. Along with having the advantage of catching foes off guard when they expect a defensive set, Slowking also has a large advantage over other Choice Pokemon. Normally, Choice users have to switch in and out in order to switch their moves again, and because of this many Choice users get worn down very quickly. However, Slowking's access to Regenerator means that this damage can be healed off simply by switching out, allowing it to battle more than other users. Slowking is also still particularly bulky, making it function as an effective tank. Unfortunately, Slowking's vast movepool doesn't contain Hydro Pump, but Surf still does plenty of damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Psyshock is preferred as the Psychic STAB because it lets Slowking deal with special walls such as Cryogonal, as well as Pokemon that naturally have a higher Special Defense such as Gallade. However, Psychic's higher Base Power might come in handy. Fire Blast roasts Grass-types such as Sceptile and Lilligant, and hits Ferroseed especially hard. The final slot is up to personal preference; the ever-useful Trick can cripple walls that try to switch into Slowking, making them much easier to deal with in general, but Grass Knot hits Water-types such as opposing Slowking, Quagsire, and Feraligatr hard, all of whom can give Slowking problems. The EVs maximize its Special Attack, and it has enough Speed to outspeed 0 Spe Spiritomb and Quagsire, but there are other foes that Slowking can try to outspeed. For example, with 164 Speed EVs Slowking can get the jump on uninvested Tangrowth, but this Slowking can lose out on quite a lot of bulk, and it is still relatively slow. Of course, doing the opposite is also dangerous, as being unable to outspeed Spiritomb can be a problem because of its STABs hitting hard. Some foes might try to take advantage of Slowking switching out often by trying to use Pursuit on it. Drapion and Spiritomb, the most common STAB Pursuit users, can be taken care of by using physically bulky Pokemon such Steelix, which can take hits from both all day; note that you must scout for them in Team Preview, as escaping will not work. Other Regenerating Pokemon also work well as partners, especially Grass-types such as Tangrowth and Amoonguss. These two Pokemon can take on the bulky Water-types that Slowking struggles to hit hard, and Slowking can also defeat Fire-types rather easily, albeit not as easily as the defensive set. Slowking struggles a bit against Electric-type Pokemon such as Manectric and Rotom, which can hit it for massive damage with their STAB. Specially defensive Pokemon such Clefable can take hits from them fairly easily, and Ground-types such as Golurk can stop any momentum they might try to gain with Volt Switch.

While Slowking might seem to be outclassed by its fellow bulky Water-types Slowbro and Milotic, it does fill a good niche in being one of the--if not the--best Kingdra switch-ins in the tier. This set steers away from the traditional role of bulky Water-types as physical tanks, and instead opts to check special attackers such as Nidoking and Azelf. Dragon Tail is vital for this purpose, as it allows Slowking to phaze away Dragon Dance Kingdra; phazing is generally useful to have as well. Scald gives Slowking a reliable STAB move with a handy 30% burn rate, which helps patch up its weaker defensive stat. Slack Off gives Slowking greater staying power and keeps it healthy throughout the game, while Thunder Wave spreads paralysis for Slowking's teammates to take advantage of. Alternatively, Fire Blast provides good coverage as it fends off Grass-type switch-ins by hitting Shaymin and Roserade for about 50%. At the same time, it gives Slowking a good move to combat other dangerous threats, such as Escavalier and Cobalion. The given EVs guarantee Slowking can accomplish the following things: survive any two consecutive Dragon attacks from all special Kingdra after accounting for Stealth Rock and one round of Leftovers, break 4/0 Kingdra's Substitutes with Dragon Tail, and survive +1 Outrage from maximum Attack Kingdra after Stealth Rock. If Slowking is instead hit with an unboosted Outrage on the switch-in, it will be 2HKOed, but thanks to Regenerator, it can switch out to a Steel-type and regain most of the lost HP. It's worth noting that even with a Speed-hindering nature, Slowking still outspeeds Escavalier, which allows Slowking to roast it with Fire Blast before it can move. Slowking can also opt to run Psyshock in the fourth moveslot for a good secondary STAB; as it hits Roserade super effectively on its weaker defensive stat, Psyshock discourages it from switching in. Keep in mind that this set fills a completely different niche to the typical bulky Water-type, and should be sure to steer clear of powerful physically offensive behemoths, such as Darmanitan and Flygon. Because of this, Pokemon such as Rhyperior and Bronzong, who can take on the aforementioned threats, make for excellent partners. Offensively, Pokemon that appreciate the paralysis support Slowking provides are also good partners. Machamp is one such Pokemon, and as a bonus, it will gladly switch into Bug-type attacks, such as Megahorn, aimed at Slowking.

This variant of Slowking has more general metagame utility than the more specially defensive variants, but often finds itself missing the sheer physical bulk that Slowbro has, which prevents it from checking obscenely powerful threats such as Life Orb Darmanitan. Instead, it trades this physical bulk for access to Dragon Tail and the ability to take on powerful special attackers which Slowbro cannot. Scald is Slowking's obligatory STAB move; it deals consistent damage and has a handy 30% burn rate. Dragon Tail is one of the main reasons to use Slowking over Slowbro, and is very useful for those free turns where Slowking forces a switch. It also throws out foes like Suicune, Kingdra, or Togekiss that use moves like Rest or Heal Bell to get rid of status as they boost. Slack Off provides additional recovery in case Regenerator is not enough. Thunder Wave spreads paralysis for Slowking's teammates to take advantage of, and allows it to cripple many of the Pokemon it'll be switching into. The given EVs and nature allow Slowking to always break 4/0 Kingdra's Substitutes with Dragon Tail, and then maximize Slowking's physical bulk. Psyshock is a decent alternative in the fourth moveslot, as it gives Slowking a means of badly injuring the common Roserade. Specifically, it OHKOes offensive variants and does upwards of 80% to defensive ones. As another alternative, Fire Blast hits several common switch-ins to Slowking, namely Shaymin and Roserade, decently hard, and also maims threats such as Cobalion and Escavalier. It's worth noting that you should never even consider forgoing Dragon Tail on this set, otherwise you'll literally be using a statistically inferior Slowbro. Although it might seem as though Slowking can take on offensive behemoths such as Life Orb Darmanitan and Choice Band Victini, it simply does not have the physical bulk to do so. Instead, this Slowking is meant to provide utility, and abuse Regenerator to scout against a wide variety of threats and handle them jointly with the appropriate teammates. Rhyperior thus makes an excellent partner to this set, as it can easily defeat the aforementioned threats, take advantage of the paralysis Slowking spreads, and lay down Stealth Rock for Slowking to take advantage of with Dragon Tail. Escavalier is another great partner to this set as it can take advantage of paralyzed opponents, easily switch into and take out Roserade with Pursuit, and tank Kingdra's Draco Meteor so that Slowking doesn't have to.

Slowking's bulk allows it to set up Trick Room with relative ease, and its good Special Attack stat and powerful STAB attacks enable it to immediately start pounding its opponents into the ground. Trick Room allows Slowking to utilize its very low Speed to become one of the fastest Pokemon on the field. Scald is Slowking's main Water-type STAB as it is boosted by the rain and has the potential to cripple physical attackers. If using Surf, it is advised to have a partner that benefits from Water-type moves, such as Ludicolo or Toxicroak, or that at least resists them. Psychic allows Slowking to take down Fighting-types such as Hariyama, Hitmontop, and Toxicroak, while also providing it with a strong secondary STAB move. To put this into perspective, Slowking's excellent bulk allows it to take a maximum of 62.9% from Adamant Toxicroak's Sucker Punch and 58.9% from the same move from Adamant Hitmontop, and KO in return with Psychic. Blizzard and Ice Beam are also options for the third moveslot; the former can be used on hail teams for a move that hits both opponents hard, while the latter gives Slowking an accurate Ice-type move in all other weather. Finally, Protect allows Slowking to guard itself against super effective attacks while its teammate takes out the threat. However, this leaves Slowking vulnerable to Steel-types such as Metagross, which are especially problematic to hail teams, so replacing Protect with Flamethrower might be a wiser option. With the ubiquity of priority Taunt users such as Whimsicott and Thundurus, it is no wonder that Mental Herb is the primary item option on this set, as it allows Slowking to set up Trick Room unhindered. However, Sitrus Berry can be used to extend Slowking's longevity in conjunction with Regenerator, which allows it to retreat from battle and switch back in when a future opportunity arises with an additional 33% health. This can enable Slowking to set up Trick Room once more or score one last hard hit before going down, and hence prove very useful. 252 HP EVs increase Slowking's longevity on the field, allowing it to set up Trick Room with ease. Furthermore, with Regenerator healing 33% of Slowking's health each time it switches in, maximum investment in HP allows for greater recovery. 252 Special Attack EVs add more bite to Slowking's attacks, allowing it to take advantage of Trick Room. A Quiet nature, in conjunction with 0 Speed IVs, enables Slowking to outspeed a large proportion of the metagame under Trick Room, and further boosts its Special Attack. Slowking appreciates having teammates, Grass-types in particular, that can take advantage of Trick Room while still providing it with much-needed support. Ferrothorn has great defensive synergy with Slowking; it resists all of Slowking's weaknesses, while Slowking can deal with the Fire- and Fighting-types that KO Ferrothorn. Ferrothorn can also make great use of Trick Room with its awful base 20 Speed and powerful STAB Power Whip. Abomasnow is another good choice as it allows Slowking to make use of an accurate Blizzard, and still outspeeds most opponents under Trick Room. Hippowdon is immune to Electric-type moves, and also scuppers the plans of most weather teams.

With access to instant-recovery in the form of Slack Off, useful resistances to Fire, Water, Ice, Fighting, and Psychic, and solid overall bulk, Slowking can become a sturdy wall that is capable of blocking many of UU's largest threats, such as Azumarill and Hitmonlee. Slowking also has the additional benefit of always being able to take on Blaziken, something that other bulky Waters cannot always claim. This set allows Slowking to alternate between replenishing its health and attacking, or inflicting status on an opposing Pokemon and stalling. Surf from Slowking's base 100 Special Attack stat provides a solid STAB attack that hits the majority of the metagame neutrally, and Psychic provides good coverage alongside it, as well as dealing with Fighting- and Poison-types. Ice Beam is a valuable alternative over Psychic for super effectively hitting Grass- and Flying-types. Psychic, however, is the better choice if one is concerned about Venusaur. Slack Off makes sure that Slowking can keep switching in throughout the game. Finally on the last slot, Toxic is usually the preferred choice, as it allows Slowking to slowly weaken other bulky Pokemon such as Milotic and Blastoise, though Thunder Wave does have its merit against hyper-offensive teams by crippling fast switch-ins such as Mismagius, Scyther, and Sceptile. Thunder Wave also allows your sweepers to have an easier time plowing through the opponent's crippled team. The EV spread allows Slowking to function as an effective mixed wall, being able to take both physical and special attacks. With 144 Defense EVs, Slowking can more comfortably take on Altaria's +1 Outrage, Ambipom's Return, and Donphan's Earthquake, while with 112 SpD, Slowking is never 2HKOed from Moltres's Hidden Power Grass, +0 Leftovers Mismagius's Shadow Ball, and Lanturn's Thunderbolt. An alternative EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD with the same Calm nature can be considered so that Slowking is never 2HKOed by +2 Curse Miltank's Return, Choice Band Azumarill's and Kangaskhan's Return, and +1 Feraligatr's Earthquake. However, Slowking's value as a special wall will slightly diminish and you'd be better off using Slowbro if your goal is a physically defensive Water-type. Slowking appreciates Pokemon that can cover its five weaknesses and benefit from the status it spreads around. Nidoking and Venusaur make good offensive partners for Slowking by covering its Electric- and Bug- or Grass-type weaknesses, respectively, and having the tools to sustain offensive pressure upon the opponent. Both Pokemon also love Thunder Wave support from Slowking to make up for their average Speed. Defensively, Chansey and Clefable are valuable choices to consider, especially since their Fighting weaknesses are covered by Slowking. If Slowking has Toxic, it is likely to cripple most bulky switch-ins with ease; as such, the aforementioned Pokemon can help by stalling the opponents with their great bulk and access to Encore (for Clefable) and Wish. Suffice to say, Slowking appreciates support against Chansey and Clefable as well, as they will wall it to no end. As such, Fighting-type Pokemon like Toxicroak and Hitmonlee make great partners as they can eliminate the special walls in a single swoop. Lastly, Steelix can make a splendid defensive core with Slowking as they cover each other's weaknesses well, with the exception of Ground and Grass. Also, Steelix is capable of taking the physical attacks aimed at Slowking, while Slowking takes the special attacks aimed at Steelix.

Although a bit of a novelty, Slowking sports the devastating Trick, which has the potential to cripple one of the most common Slowking switch-ins, Chansey, allowing it to viably run a Choice Specs set. Additionally, this set has the power to 2HKO Clefable, and Slowking's considerable bulk makes up for its lacking Speed, making it a very practical slow and powerful Choice Specs user. Surf and Psychic are staples on any Slowking set, as they provide great coverage in the UU metagame, which is an excellent quality for any Specs user to have since it makes prediction much less of an issue when you can just choose between Slowking's powerful STAB attacks and catch the switch-in. Choice Specs Psychic has the ability to OHKO Support Venusaur after Stealth Rock damage, as well as all Weezing variants. Trick is self-explanatory and is the real reason why this set is viable in UU, although it is not advisable to use it before scouting the opponent's team, as Slowking may end up giving Choice Specs to Pokemon such as Venusaur or Mismagius. Slowking also runs the risk of receiving an unfavorable item in return, such as a Choice Band from Spiritomb; afterward, Spiritomb can trap and remove Slowking with Pursuit as it switches out. Slack Off keeps Slowking alive for a longer period of time once it has Tricked an opposing Pokemon. Complements to this specific set should be Pokemon that can take advantage of special walls locked into a single move. Bulky special sweepers with Substitute and Calm Mind can often take advantage of a Choiced Chansey. Espeon is a nice offensive teammate, being able to boost up and sweep with its high base Speed. Similarly, Nasty Plot Houndoom is able to decimate locked special walls after it gets the necessary boosts. Slowking also complements Houndoom defensively, taking Water-type attacks with ease. Of course, it is important to take into account common switch-ins to Slowking, such as Mismagius and Rotom, which can be quite problematic after receiving Choice Specs as a result of Trick. For the aforementioned common switch-ins, packing a Pursuit user such as Skuntank or Drapion can be useful to remove the Ghosts.

Slowking and Slowbro share a lot of things in common, and one of these is the ability to set up Trick Room. When opting for one of them on a Trick Room team, it is important to choose the right one for your team's needs, as both do have their advantages. Despite Slowbro being chosen more often over its sibling, mostly due to its higher physical bulk being better suited for the metagame, Slowking does possess the ability to come in on special attackers more easily. Surf and Psychic have perfect coverage in the UU metagame, outside of Shiftry, Cacturne, Exeggutor, Shedinja, Slowbro, Sharpedo, Crawdaunt, and opposing Slowking. Slack Off allows Slowking to come in and use Trick Room multiple times, which is a great asset to have in a Trick Room supporter since the field effect lasts for only five turns. The way this set works is simple: switch into a Pokemon that cannot severely hurt Slowking, such as a bulky Water-type, and set up Trick Room. Afterward, switch in a Trick Room sweeper resistant to the opponent's attacks and thrash the opponent. A Sassy nature is beneficial to this set as it lowers Slowking's already poor Speed, and combined with a reduction of its IVs to 0, Slowking will outspeed almost every Pokemon in the metagame after Trick Room is set up. Good partners for this set are Pokemon that can make the most out of Trick Room, specifically slow and powerful bulky sweepers. Rhyperior and Marowak are both extremely threatening in this regard and have some limited type synergy with Slowking in that they can come in on predicted Electric attacks unscathed. However, because of the rarity of Electric-type attacks, and because of the shared crippling weakness to Grass, it's highly recommended to run a Pokemon that can come into Grass-type moves with little trouble alongside them. Exeggutor is a wonderful Trick Room partner as it resists Slowking's Electric and Grass weaknesses, can wreak havoc with Leaf Storm, sleep foes with Sleep Powder, and take down a threatening Pokemon with Explosion. Additionally, Exeggutor can reset Trick Room again in case it runs out of turns. Hariyama is another great partner, as with Close Combat at its disposal, it can demolish teams. It also has useful resistances to Dark and Bug.

Due to Slowking's bulk on both sides, ability to set up Trick Room, and high Special Attack, it is a prime candidate for an offensive Trick Room set. Unlike its counterpart, Slowbro, Slowking is able to quickly boost its Special Attack with Nasty Plot, distinguishing itself. Slowking's bulk allows it to come in on a wide array of Pokemon and set up Trick Room for its teammates, while also potentially allowing Slowking itself to sweep. Slowking's base 30 Speed enables it to "outspeed" almost every Pokemon in UU when under Trick Room, which makes sweeping easier. After a single Nasty Plot, Slowking reaches a beastly 658 Special Attack, making it more than capable of tearing through teams that lack Chansey. Psychic and Surf are STAB moves that provide excellent coverage in UU. Life Orb is equipped since Slowking appreciates the extra power to turn 2HKOs into OHKOs. In addition, Slowking actually has a chance to 2HKO Chansey with a +2 Surf after Stealth Rock damage, which is an impressive feat. Since this set is Trick Room based, minimum Speed is recommended for Slowking to outspeed almost everything in the metagame once Trick Room is set up. A Quiet nature helps lower Slowking's Speed, while also boosting its Special Attack. Although Slowking's Water / Psychic typing is primarily advantageous, it does cause some trouble at times. Dark-types such as Drapion and Absol are often seen switching in on Slowking and posing an immediate threat. It is therefore best to pair Slowking with a Pokemon that can handle both of these threats. Rhyperior is perhaps the best partner to aid Slowking against these threats. Not only does it take advantage of Slowking's Trick Room with its sluggish 40 base Speed, but it also has incredible physical bulk to cushion their attacks and the ability to OHKO both of them with a single Earthquake.