Slugma Movesets & Competitive Sets

Moves Memento, Reflect, and Light Screen are here to help a sweeper set up with ease. Recover can be used over Memento if you prefer for your Dual Screener to last longer. Lava Plume has a good chance to burn things, which is important for Slugma's support, but Fire Blast has more power. The main draw Fire Blast has over Lava Plume is that Fire Blast OHKOes Eviolite Pawniard after Stealth Rock damage. Lava Plume is the preferred STAB move on this set because it can burn foes since it is not using Will-O-Wisp. However, Will-O-Wisp can be used over Reflect. Set Details The given EVs give Slugma maximum bulk, with its Def bolstered by a Bold nature, and Special Defense hitting Eviolite numbers, and HP becoming a Stealth Rock number of 23. Flame Body gives Slugma more chances to burn foes that make contact. Eviolite gives Slugma more bulk, while Light Clay makes Screens last 3 turns longer. Usage Tips Switch into physical attackers who make contact, like Mienfoo or Fletchling, so you can burn them with Flame Body. Set up Screens and then use Memento, but do not Memento on Pawniard because you will give it an x2 boost to its Attack stat Thanks to Defiant. Fire Blast easily disposes of Pawniard, provided Stealth Rock is active. Slugma is one of the best Memento users due to opponents not wanting to risk switching in Pawniard on Slugma. Team Options Zigzagoon appreciates both Screens and Memento, which allows it to set up its Belly Drum easily. Other sweepers also enjoy this support,like Fletchling, Shell Smashers, and Timburr. An entry hazard remover like Vullaby, Drilbur, Archen, or Staryu is very appreciated by Slugma. Vullaby checks Drilbur, Archen counters Taillow and checks Timburr, while Drilbur and Staryu enjoy Slugma being able to counter Grass-types. Slugma can also absorb Will-O-Wisps for Drilbur, Vullaby, and Archen.

Moves Recover keeps Slugma healthy enough to switch into physical attackers throughout the battle. Fire Blast is the suggested STAB move due to its ability to OHKO Eviolite Pawniard after Stealth Rock damage, but Lava Plume can be substituted for better accuracy and a higher chance to burn the target. Earth Power allows Slugma to hit common switch-ins like Chinchou and Tirtouga for super effective damage. Acid Armor allows you to set up on physically offensive Pokemon even further, and dares them to make contact with Slugma, which works very well with Will-O-Wisp and Toxic. Will-O-Wisp burns any target, regardless of whether contact is made or not. Toxic helps Slugma stall out Pokemon, while Earth Power hits Poison-types and Slugma's STAB move hits Steel-types, the Pokemon immune to Toxic. Memento can be used to give a team member a chance to set up. Set Details The provided EVs maximize Slugma's bulk while hitting Eviolite numbers. The Bold nature makes Slugma's Defense hit the Eviolite number 14. The EVs in HP hit a Stealth Rock number of 23, meaning Slugma can switch in times. Flame Body gives Slugma more chances to burn. Usage Tips Switch Slugma into physical attackers that make contact, like Mienfoo and Fletchling. Keep Slugma away from Timburr and Taillow because of Guts, though Taillow generally won't switch in for fear of an offensive move from Slugma. Do not use Memento on Pawniard because it will gain an x2 boost to its Attack stat thanks to Defiant; however, Fire Blast easily eliminates it provided Stealth Rock is present, while Will-O-Wisp severely cripples it. Team Options Lileep, Chespin, and Ferroseed are good partners to Slugma because they check or wall Water-types, which Slugma hates. Chespin also has an added bonus of countering Drilbur. An entry hazard remover is greatly appreciated by Slugma. Vullaby and Staryu are good choices because they are also good checks to Drilbur. Archen is also a good choice because it counters Taillow and checks Timburr. Croagunk, Spritzee, and Snubbull are also good team members because they all handle Timburr, while Snubbull and Croagunk can nail Munchlax with their super effective Fighting-type attacks.

Slugma has acceptable bulk, and when coupled with an Eviolite and the ability to further boost both defenses with Stockpile, this set can become troublesome to bring down. Flamethrower gives Slugma the most power, and if you are happy relying on Will-O-Wisp for burn support, feel free to go for the combination of Flamethrower and Will-O-Wisp. Lava Plume combines STAB and burn support into one Fire-type attack, giving Slugma a free slot in which to run Toxic. Alternatively, Hidden Power Grass rounds out Slugma's coverage by hitting Water-types super effectively. A Calm nature with significant Special Defense investment covers the special side for the most part, and with the ability to cut the opponent's Attack with Will-O-Wisp, Slugma can quickly become hard to stop. Frillish makes a good partner for Slugma, as it can switch into Water-type attacks without worry.

The idea here is to create an optimal set-up situation for one of Slugma's teammates. Getting up dual screens is Slugma's priority here. If he manages to survive long enough to get both screens up and survive a potential third blow, he can go for Memento, which increases the chances your sweeper can set up at least two boosts. Lava Plume has a chance to burn your opponent and cut their Attack, again aiding the situation, but more importantly prevents Slugma from being complete Taunt bait. The EVs given balance Slugma's defenses, though this can be modified to your liking. Eviolite is the favored item as it helps ensure Slugma can get both screens up. Light Clay can buy valuable additional turns of screen protection for Slugma's teammates, but considering Slugma's terrible Speed, screen setup will become decisively less reliable without Eviolite's boost to his bulk. Lava Plume can be swapped out for an attacking move of your choice, but this set should ideally not be attacking at all. Any set-up sweeper makes a good partner for this set. Pokemon such as Riolu and Shell Smash boosters are prime candidates.

Slugma is a great example of a Pokemon with a movepool that doesn't match its typing. It has access to some of the best supportive options, but being a pure Fire-type with bad stats screws it up. However, with this set, Slugma can be a huge asset to any sweeper by making its setup easier. It can be hard to pull off, but if you do, it will be worth it. Setting up Light Screen and Reflect should be your first priority, since it benefits the whole team while also making up for Slugma's rather humble defenses. Memento is the move that makes this set so deadly, as it lowers both the foe's Attack and Special Attack two stages. That means with screens up, the opponent's attacks are only doing one-fourth of the damage they would normally be doing. When you use Memento, the user automatically faints, which is why it is always recommended that you set up screens before you use Memento. Self-Destruct is also an option if you want to bring down an opponent with Slugma. While most of the time Memento is the superior choice, it is still a fine option. Be aware that Self-Destruct is illegal with Recover and Memento, though. Slugma's last move slot is completely up to personal choice. Recover gives Slugma a viable way of healing and can be used if you want to keep Slugma alive for late assistance. Yawn is a great way to force switches, and it can also put the foe to sleep. Either way, it gives you time to set up screens while the foe switches or is asleep. Flamethrower keeps Slugma from being completely shut down by Taunt and packs decent power when coming off a base 70 Special Attack, even with no investment. The EVs and nature are designed for Slugma to get the most out of its mediocre defenses. With the given spread, Slugma reaches 23 HP, 13 Defense, and 13 Special Defense with a Careful nature, though screens make these defenses seem a lot better than they actually are. A Calm nature should be used if you are running Flamethrower. The choice between Light Clay and Oran Berry is a tough choice indeed. Light Clay allows screens to last eight turns, and this is great since Slugma probably won't be around to set them up again. Oran Berry provides a higher guarantee that you will be able to get your screens up and Memento, since Slugma can't take many hits. The good news is that Slugma doesn't need much support from its teammates, since it will be doing the supporting and typically won't be around for long. Slugma is weak to Water-, Ground-, and Rock-type moves, so setup sweepers that resist those types are its best teammates. Mantyke and Poliwag can easily switch in on Water moves thanks to Water Absorb and can then set up Agility and Belly Drum, respectively. Croagunk can switch in safely thanks to Dry Skin and use Nasty Plot. Krabby and Totodile are also great options, since they resist Water-type moves and absolutely adore screen support. Gligar, Drifloon, and the previously mentioned Mantyke can switch in on Ground-type moves without fear, since they are completely immune. Swords Dance Snover can switch in on Ground and Water moves without fear and threaten the users with Ice Shard and Wood Hammer. Barboach and Aron can shrug off Rock-type attacks with ease and set up Dragon Dance and Rock Polish, respectively. Larvitar can also switch in and set up either Dragon Dance or Rock Polish. While the aforementioned Pokemon are the best partners for Slugma, almost any setup sweeper works well. Dratini and Bagon greatly appreciate Slugma's support since it often allows them to get more than one Dragon Dance in. The rare, but extremely deadly Nasty Plot Houndour loves Memento support, as it allows it to set up safely, which is usually hard for it. Cacnea and Seedot can use Swords Dance, Nasty Plot, or Substitute safely behind screens. Rock Polish or Swords Dance Cranidos typically has trouble setting up, but not with Slugma's Memento support. While Belly Drum Magby may seem like a gimmick, it can be a huge threat with assistance from Slugma. The list can go on and on, but these are some of the best examples. If you are saving Slugma for mid- or late-game, Rapid Spin support can help. Squirtle is great option as a spinner, since it resists Water. Baltoy is another great spinner, since it can easily switch in on two of Slugma's weaknesses, and it resists Stealth Rock. Pineco can use Rapid Spin as well and lures Fire-type moves, thus providing Slugma with an easy switch-in. Lastly, Sandshrew deserves some mention, since it resists Rock, and is weak to Grass. STAB Grass-type moves are some of the best moves for Slugma to switch in on since most Grass-types will switch out of it, allowing the blazing slug to set up Reflect or Light Screen. Slugma has very low Speed, which means this set can function great in Trick Room. If you are using this set in Trick Room, be sure to change the nature to Sassy and give it 0 IVs in Speed to make it as slow as possible.

Slugma is really slow, making it a perfect candidate for Trick Room. With a meaty base 70 Special Attack, Slugma can certainly put a dent in most foes. While Slugma is nowhere near the power levels of Cubone and Azurill in Trick Room, it is still a strong option. Fire Blast is Slugma's main attacking move, since STAB Fire Blast coming off of base 70 Special Attack is going to be hitting anything that doesn't resist it hard. Flamethrower is a decent replacement, thanks to higher accuracy. Since Trick Room puts you on a timer, a miss from Fire Blast can be devastating. Hidden Power Electric hits Water-types for super effective damage, including the ever-so-common Mantyke. Slugma has access to Earth Power, which not only hits Chinchou for super effective, but Rock- and Fire-types as well. Self-Destruct is a powerful suicide move, which can be used when Trick Room is about to end as a safe switch to a Pokemon that can set up Trick Room, or if Slugma is low on health. It also does a ton of damage to Munchlax, who would otherwise wall this set. You are going to want to make Slugma as slow as possible, so a Quiet nature is a must. The IVs may seem odd, but 30 Special Attack IVs and 3 Speed IVs allow Slugma to be as slow as possible while achieving 70 Base Power Hidden Power Electric. With nature and IVs combined, Slugma reaches a sluggish 6 Speed. The 36 EVs in Attack, Defense and Special Defense give Slugma one extra point in each stat. Life Orb is the definite item to use, since it provides a boost in power as well as the ability to switch between moves, which is extremely important in Trick Room. Having someone to set up Trick Room is needed, because Slugma has little hope of sweeping without it. Slowpoke is a great option since Slugma can switch in on Grass-type moves aimed at Slowpoke. Furthermore, Slowpoke resists Water and can bring down Rock- and Ground-types with Aqua Tail. Baltoy is an even better option. Even though Baltoy is also weak to Water, it resists Rock and is immune to Ground. Most importantly, it can use Rapid Spin to remove Stealth Rock, which plagues Slugma. Bronzor can also switch in on Rock- and Ground-type attacks and set up Trick Room. Smoochum can also work well, since Slugma can shrug off Fire-type moves. Aside from Trick Room, Slugma benefits from the same things most sweepers do. Stealth Rock is always appreciated. Bronzor and Baltoy are good options for setting it up since they can set up Trick Room too. Bronzor can also set up screens to support Slugma. Turtwig is another good option since it can set up screens, and Slugma can switch in on the Fire- and Ice-type moves directed at Turtwig with ease. Turtwig is also slow enough to take advantage of Trick Room. Ledyba is also a fine screener to support Slugma, since it can use Encore. Even though this set can hit Dragon-types for neutral damage with Earth Power, they still cause Slugma trouble. Due to this, most Steel-types are a great partner for Slugma. Bronzor gets mentioned again, since it is immune to Ground and resists Rock. Aron also deserves attention, since it can switch into Outrage thanks to its high Defense. Magnemite can use Hidden Power Ice to subdue the dragons, especially Gible. It can also hit Water-types hard with STAB Thunderbolt. Shieldon can use Ice Beam to take down Dragon-types, and set up Stealth Rock. Most importantly, Shieldon is slow, meaning it can take full advantage of Trick Room.