Pokémon Groundon's Guide to Battling

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Content Warnings : None?

Hello. In this world, pokemon battling is inevitable, so why not learn how to battle properly? This is why you have this guide in your hands : To win and rack up your victories! Right?

Normal Pokemon :
These pokemon can be found in the wild and are "mortal". We'll just review the most powerful pokemon you can use and counters for them.

Slaking :
Tips : Slaking can dominate in any tournament with its super tough stats along with Facade, most strategies are instantly shut down. However, its ability Truant will be a problem. Many turns, it'll just get punched in the face 4 ways. So, having it eat iron-rich meals can balance this out. Then, having it with Retaliate brings some comeback potential, especially if you have frail sweepers on your team.
Counters : Substitute users like Greninja can mop the floor easily with Slaking, but crit specialists like Absol could also do the trick. Just don't use stalling pokemon!
Recommended by Smogon University moves : Earthquake & Sucker Punch

 

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Porgon2 :
Tips : Porygon2 can be VERY annoying when it has Trace, as it now copies your ability which is no good when you're using a pokemon like walrein-it now has a resistance against you! You can further reinforce it with eviolite and giving it moves such as Foul Play, Recover, or even Electroweb to counter speedsters.
Counters : Having a pokemon using Knock Off can be useful, as the eviolite on which Porygon2 so depended on is now gone.
Recommended by Smogon University moves : Ice Beam & Thunder Wave

 

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Garganacl :
Tips : If you want a wall, here it is! Not even water types can hope to take it down, nor can attackers who love boosting themselves like Dragapult are able to inflict much damage. However, it can be worn down, so leftovers are a good option for an item. Among the moves, Salt Cure can counter water/steel sweepers such as honedge and Recover is good too.
Counters : There aren't many, but Breloom or Hero Form Palafin can deal damage prior to being knocked out. Moves like Taunt can break down Garganacl's Recover.
Recommend by Smogon University moves : Stealth Rock & Body Press

 

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Vileplume :
Tips : Need some more offense and extra typing? Look no farther than Vileplume! With Acid and other STAB moves, it can top many pokemon in the Kanto-Johto regions (from what I heard. I usually stay in Hoenn)! Sleep Powder is a move that Vileplume can learn, and when paired up with Strength Sap, All-Rounders and Attackers will cry alike! The main setback on Vileplume is its speed, but with Sunny Day, its speed will be doubled.
Counters : Metagross can resist Strength Sap because of Clear Body and also take advantage of Vileplume's lack of speed with Substitute and even Mega-Evolve quickly with the substitute.
Recommended by Smogon University moves : Bullet Punch & Rock Slide

 

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Electivire :
Tips : This is an obvious choice for a couple of reasons :
1) Motor Drive is a powerful ability for many teams. You'll find plenty of electric types in opposing teams, from the mythical Zeraora to Helioptile, so this covers many powerful electric types.
2) Its attack stat of 123, which permits it to smash all types of walls. This can be further complemented with Brick Break so Mr. Mime cannot control the battle as well and take out it's weakness of ground-please don't use this tip against me though...
Counters : Priority moves such as Bullet Punch can easily take out Electivire.
Recommended by Smogon University moves : Earthquake & Volt Switch

 

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Garbodor :
Tips : Garbodor Aftermath ability is tough to deal with. With poison, spikes, and probably some damage with its attack stat of 95, most opponents can't afford to take out Garbodor, and this can be stacked with Rocky Helmet. Explosion can threaten the most powerful opponents while Gigatamaxing is an option that can even out Galar battles. This poison-type doesn't stink at all!
Counters : Rotom can get rid of entry hazards and even though Aftermath really sucks, Steelix can take down Garbodor-and often with no damage on itself!
Recommended by Smogon University moves : Pain Split & Gunk Shot