[AAA] Alolan Muk

Overview
An excellent Dark / Poison typing gives Alolan Muk a resistance to Dark-type attacks such as Pursuit, key immunities to Psychic and Toxic, and a single weakness in Ground. Furthermore, its neutralities to Bug-, Fighting-, and Fairy-type attacks prevent most Psychic-type Pokemon from taking it on with coverage and allow it to soft check most special attackers. Access to Pursuit allows Alolan Muk to punish switching out, particularly by frail foes such as Mega Alakazam and Hoopa-U. Good utility options such as Knock Off and Clear Smog lets it cripple opposing teams and deal with setup sweepers, and Alolan Muk's solid defenses—alongside Regenerator—allow it to serve as an excellent pivot and scout for attacks. However, Alolan Muk's comparatively low physical bulk leaves it prey to physical or mixed attackers such as Hoopa-U, and its dearth of coverage moves leaves it walled by the ever-present Steel-type Pokemon such as Magearna.

Utility Trapper
Muk-Alola @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 29 Spe
- Pursuit
- Knock Off
- Clear Smog
- Poison Jab / Gunk Shot

Set Comments

Moves

Pursuit deals double damage to foes that try and switch out, preventing the Pokemon Alolan Muk walls, such as Mega Alakazam, from simply pivoting out. Knock Off is a powerful STAB move that removes the foe's item, allowing Alolan Muk to cripple item-reliant Pokemon such as Magearna and Chansey for the remainder of the match. Clear Smog removes the boosts of foes, allowing Alolan Muk to serve as an emergency stop to sweepers such as Tapu Fini and Snorlax. Poison Jab offers a reliable, high-PP STAB attack that can wear down foes and has a nice chance to poison. Gunk Shot is another, more powerful option, but it has less PP and can miss.

Set Details

Maximum investment in HP and Special Defense, alongside Assault Vest and a Sassy nature, makes Alolan Muk as specially bulky as possible. Regenerator heals Alolan Muk every time it switches out, allowing it to check threats multiple times per match. 29 Speed IVs and a Sassy nature ensure Alolan Muk moves after Magearna, allowing it to use Knock Off on whatever Pokemon is sent in after Magearna.

Usage Tips

Switch Alolan Muk readily into most special attackers to deal chip damage and scout the foe's
set. If the opponent has a Hoopa-U, keep Alolan Muk healthy so it can reliably check it, as even with a resistance Hoopa-U deals heavy damage. When possible, avoid switching Alolan Muk into Water-type Pokemon, as burns cripple its already low damage output. If you don't know what the foe will do, clicking Knock Off is usually a good option, as few Pokemon don't mind their items. Be careful when Pursuit trapping foes, as if they stay in, the mediocre damage output may allow them to survive the attack and heavily damage Alolan Muk. Regenerator allows Alolan Muk to PP stall moves against foes such as Tapu Fini but requires that a second pokemon be readily able to switch in in most cases.

Team Options

Physical walls such as Hippowdon, Buzzwole, and Skarmory are handy to take those attacks for Alolan Muk; the last two are particularly helpful, as they also cover Alolan Muk's Ground weakness. An additional special wall such as Magearna or Chansey is also useful to give Alolan Muk something to pivot to and regain HP. Entry hazard clearing from Pokemon such as Zapdos and Skarmory is appreciated, as Alolan Muk's reliance on Regenerator for healing leaves it especially susceptible to chip damage. Unaware walls such as Chansey and Gligar are handy to take the pressure off Alolan Muk to check boosted attackers. Checks to physical Hoopa-U such as Mandibuzz and Hippowdon are also needed, as it can lure in and 2HKO Alolan Muk; in return, Muk can check special Hoopa-U for them. Magnet Pull Pokemon also pair well with it, as they can remove the Steel-type Pokemon that annoy Alolan Muk, and in return it can use Knock Off to take off Shed Shells and render Pokemon vulnerable to trapping.

Strategy Comments

Other Options


More Attack investment may be run to increase the damage of Alolan Muk's attacks, particularly Pursuit, but this allows special attackers such as Noivern to outdamage Regenerator more easily. A Choice Band Adaptability set with maximum Attack investment may also be used to lure in answers and trap things from higher health, but it cannot switch as readily and lacks the longevity of the Regenerator set.

Checks and Counters

Poison Heal Pokemon: Poison Heal Pokemon do not mind having their item knocked off after it takes effect and can ignore Poison Jab's secondary effect. While Alolan Muk can handle users such as Tapu Fini by virtue of its typing, it has difficulty dealing lasting damage to, or even dealing with, common users such as Suicune, Zygarde, and Snorlax.

Steel-type Pokemon: Steel-type Pokemon are immune to Poison-type attacks, allowing them to switch in on those freely. Most Steel-type Pokemon used in AAA are bulky, allowing them to shrug off a Knock Off, and can generally use Alolan Muk to awitch in, such as Doublade, can be threatened at all.

Physical Attackers: Physical attackers hit Alolan Muk on its weaker Defense stat, allowing them to more easily take it on. To make matters worse, most Ground-type Pokemon are physical attackers, and Earthquake is a common coverage option. While even physical attackers dislike losing their item and thus cannot switch in freely, they tend to force out Alolan Muk once in.

Clearing-Resistant Setup: Substitute blocks Clear Smog, allowing users of this move to set up on Alolan Muk. If it cannot readily break the Substitute, Alolan Muk has to rely on its teammates to take on the setup sweeper. Similarly, fast setup sweepers such as Manaphy can boost a stat multiple stages at a time, limiting the effectiveness of Alolan Muk's reactive anti-setup measures.
 
Last edited:

Laxpras

One small yeet for man, one giant yeet for mankind
Overview
* Excellent Dark / Poison typing gives Alolan Muk a resistance to Dark and key immunities to Psychic and Toxic, while only being weak to Ground.
* Access to Pursuit allows Alolan Muk to punish switching out, particularly by frail foes such as Mega Alakazam and Hoopa-U
* Good utility options such as Knock Off and Clear Smog lets it cripple opposing teams. clear smog isnt rlly crippling
* Alolan Muk’s solid defenses alongside Regenerator allow it to serve as an excellent pivot and scout for attacks.
* Comparatively low physical bulk leaves it prey to physical or mixed attackers such as Hoopa-U
* Low attack without investment means it sometimes has to Pursuit threat more than once to remove them. its atk isnt that low, pursuit isnt a negative. Plus clear smog & regen means muk doesnt rlly care if it misses a pursuit
* Dearth of coverage leaves it walled by the ever present Steel-type Pokemon such as Magearna.

Utility Trapper
Muk-Alola @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 29 Spe
- Pursuit
- Knock Off
- Clear Smog
- Poison Jab / Gunk Shot

Set Comments

Moves

* Pursuit deals double damage to foes that try and switch out, preventing the Pokemon Alolan Muk walls, such as Mega Alakazam, from simply pivoting out.
* Knock Off removes the foe’s item, allowing Alolan Muk to cripple item-reliant Pokemon such as Magearna for the match.
* Clear Smog removes the boosts of foes, allowing Alolan Muk to serve as an emergency stop to sweepers such as Tapu Fini and Snorlax.
* Poison Jab offers a reliable, high PP STAB attack with which to wear does and has a nice chance to poison.
* Gunk Shot is another, more powerful option, but has less PP and can miss.

Set Details

* Maximum investment in HP and Special Defense, alongside an Assault Vest and a Sassy nature, makes Alolan Muk as specially bulky as possible.
* Regenerator heals Alolan Muk every time it switches, allowing it to check threats multiple times per match.
* 29 Speed IVs and a Sassy nature ensure Alolan Muk moves after Magearna, allowing it to use Knock Off on whatever Magearna brings in with Volt Switch.

Usage Tips

* Switch Alolan Muk readily into most special attackers to deal chip damage and scout sets.
* If the opponent has a Hoopa-U, keep Alolan Muk healthy so it can reliably check it, as even with a resistance Hoopa-U deals heavy damage.
* When possible, avoid switching Alolan Muk into Water-type Pokemon, as burns cripple it's already low damage output.
* If you don't know what the foe will do, clicking Knock Off is usually a good option, as few Pokemon don't appreciate their items.
* Be careful when Pursuit trapping foes, as if they stay in the mediocre damage output may allow them to survive the attack and heavily damage Alolan Muk.

Team Options

* Physical walls such as Hippowdon, Buzzwole, and Skarmory are handy to take those for Alolan Muk; the latter two are particularly helpful, as they also cover Alolan Muk’s Ground weakness.
* An additional special wall such as Magearna or Chansey is handy to give Alolan Muk something to pivot to and regain HP.
* Entry hazard clearing from Pokemon such as Zapdos and Skarmory is appreciated, as Alolan Muk’s reliance on Regenerator for healing leaves it especially susceptible to their chip damage.
* Unaware walls such as Chansey and Gligar are handy to take the pressure off Alolan Muk to check boosted attackers.
* Checks to physical Hoopa-U such as Mandibuzz and Hippowdon are needed, as it can lure and 2HKO Alolan Muk; in return, Muk can check special Hoopa-U for them.
* Magnet Pull Pokemon also pair well with it, as they can remove the Steel-type Pokemon that annoy Alolan Muk. in return, it can use Knock Off to take off Shed Shells and render Pokemon vulnerable to trapping.

Strategy Comments

Other Options


* Shadow Sneak allows Alolan Muk to pick off faster threats and force 50-50s with pursuit on weakened foes, but it doesn't deal much damage to most of the AAA metagame. I would say this is essentially never worth running. Thus not worth the mention.
* More Attack investment may be run to increase the damage of Alolan Muk's Attacks, particularly Pursuit, but allows Special Attackers such as Noivern to outdamage Regenerator more easily.
band tough claws set is a nice lure

Checks and Counters

Poison Heal Pokemon: Poison Heal Pokemon do not mind having their item knocked off after it takes effect, and can ignore Poison Jab's secondary effect. While Alolan Muk can handle users such as Tapu Fini by virtue of its typing, it has difficulty dealing lasting damage to, or even dealing with, common users such as Suicune, Zygarde, and Snorlax.

Steel-type Pokemon: Steel-type Pokemon are immune to Poison-type attacks, allowing them to switch in on those freely. Most Steel-type Pokemon used in AAA are bulky, allowing them to shrug off a Knock Off, and can generally use Alolan Muk as a free switch-in opportunity; only a select few, such as Doublade, can be threatened at all.

Physical Attackers: Physical attackers hit Alolan Muk on its weaker defense stat, allowing them to more easily take it on. To make matters worse, most Ground-type Pokemon are physical attackers, and Earthquake is a common coverage option. While even Physical attackers dislike losing their item, and thus cannot switch in freely, they tend to force out Alolan Muk once in.

substitute set up *assuming clear smog doesnt go through sub, i forget tbh
 
Overview
An excellent Dark / Poison typing gives Alolan Muk a resistance to Dark resisting pursuit worth mentionning and key immunities to Psychic and Toxic, I would note important neutrality to fighting, bug and fairy as it is the most common coverage psychics type use to pass dark types while only being weak to Ground making muk a reliable answer to a lot special attackers in the meta (or smt like that, better if you're more specific). Access to Pursuit allows Alolan Muk to punish switching out, particularly by frail foes such as Mega Alakazam and Hoopa-U. Good utility options such as Knock Off and Clear Smog lets it cripple opposing teams and deal with setup, while Alolan Muk’s solid defenses - alongside Regenerator - allow it to serve as an excellent pivot and scout for attacks. However, Alolan Muk's comparatively low physical bulk leaves it prey to physical or mixed attackers such as Hoopa-U, and it's dearth of coverage moves leaves it walled by the everpresent Steel-type Pokemon such as Magearna. idk if it's worth noting that muk doesn't have pivoting mvoes which can make it less desireable than some other regenvest user
I would insist more on what demarks muk from other regenvest users (pursuit, clear smog) you say that it has it but don't really say that it gives it a niche over magearna and stuff.


Utility Trapper
Muk-Alola @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 29 Spe
- Pursuit
- Knock Off
- Clear Smog
- Poison Jab / Gunk Shot

Set Comments

Moves

Pursuit deals double damage to foes that try and switch out, preventing the Pokemon Alolan Muk walls, such as Mega Alakazam, from simply pivoting out. Knock Off removes the foe’s item, allowing Alolan Muk to cripple item-reliant Pokemon such as Magearna for the matchit's also a solid stab option with a lot of pp. Clear Smog removes the boosts of foes, allowing Alolan Muk to serve as an emergency stop to sweepers such as Tapu Fini and Snorlax. Poison Jab offers a reliable, high PP STAB attack with which to wear does and has a nice chance to poison. Gunk Shot is another, more powerful option, but has less PP and can miss.

Set Details

Maximum investment in HP and Special Defense, alongside an Assault Vest and a Sassy nature, makes Alolan Muk as specially bulky as possible. Regenerator heals Alolan Muk every time it switches, allowing it to check threats multiple times per match. 29 Speed IVs and a Sassy nature ensure Alolan Muk moves after Magearna, allowing it to use Knock Off on whatever w/e is brough in after mag's volt switch. Mag isn't the one bringing a mon in Magearna brings in with Volt Switch.

Usage Tips

Switch Alolan Muk readily into most special attackers to deal chip damage and scout sets. If the opponent has a Hoopa-U, keep Alolan Muk healthy so it can reliably check it, as even with a resistance Hoopa-U deals heavy damage. When possible, avoid switching Alolan Muk into Water-type Pokemon, as burns cripple it's already low damage output. If you don't know what the foe will do, clicking Knock Off is usually a good option, as few Pokemon don't appreciate their items. Be careful when Pursuit trapping foes, as if they stay in the mediocre damage output may allow them to survive the attack and heavily damage Alolan Muk. regen can also be used to pp stall moves on mons like tapu fini

Team Options

Physical walls such as Hippowdon, Buzzwole, and Skarmory are handy to take those those? for Alolan Muk; the latter two are particularly helpful, as they also cover Alolan Muk’s Ground weakness. An additional special wall such as Magearna or Chansey is also useful to give Alolan Muk something to pivot to and regain HP. Entry hazard clearing from Pokemon such as Zapdos and Skarmory is appreciated, as Alolan Muk’s reliance on Regenerator for healing leaves it especially susceptible to their chip damage. Unaware walls such as Chansey and Gligar are handy to take the pressure off Alolan Muk to check boosted attackers. Checks to physical Hoopa-U such as Mandibuzz and Hippowdon are also needed, as it can lure and 2HKO Alolan Muk; in return, Muk can check special Hoopa-U for them. Magnet Pull Pokemon also pair well with it, as they can remove the Steel-type Pokemon that annoy Alolan Muk, while it can use Knock Off to take off Shed Shells and render Pokemon vulnerable to trapping.

Strategy Comments

Other Options


More Attack investment may be run to increase the damage of Alolan Muk's Attacks, particularly Pursuit, but allows Special Attackers such as Noivern to outdamage Regenerator more easily. A Choice Band Adaptability set with maximum attack investment may also be used to lure answers and trap things from higher health, but cannot switch as readily and lacks the longevity of the Regenerator set.

Checks and Counters

Poison Heal Pokemon: Poison Heal Pokemon do not mind having their item knocked off after it takes effect, and can ignore Poison Jab's secondary effect. While Alolan Muk can handle users such as Tapu Fini by virtue of its typing, it has difficulty dealing lasting damage to, or even dealing with, common users such as Suicune, Zygarde, and Snorlax.

Steel-type Pokemon: Steel-type Pokemon are immune to Poison-type attacks, allowing them to switch in on those freely. Most Steel-type Pokemon used in AAA are bulky, allowing them to shrug off a Knock Off, and can generally use Alolan Muk as a free switch-in opportunity; only a select few, such as Doublade, can be threatened at all.

Physical Attackers: Physical attackers hit Alolan Muk on its weaker defense stat, allowing them to more easily take it on. To make matters worse, most Ground-type Pokemon are physical attackers, and Earthquake is a common coverage option. While even Physical attackers dislike losing their item, and thus cannot switch in freely, they tend to force out Alolan Muk once in.

Substitute Set Up: Substitute blocks Clear Smog, allowing Pokemon to set up on Alolan Muk. If it cannot readily break the Substitute, Alolan Muk has to rely on its teammates to take on the setup sweeper.

powerful setup sweepers in general pressure muk, like manapy in particular
That was easy, 3/3 ig.
 

lotiasite

undedgy
is a Forum Moderatoris a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
hi, gp 1/2
Overview
An excellent Dark / Poison typing gives Alolan Muk a resistance to Dark-type attacks such as Pursuit, (AC) and key immunities to Psychic and Toxic, while only being weak and a single weakness in to Ground.(period) Furthermore, its neutralities to Bug-, Fighting-, and Fairy-type attacks prevent most Psychic-type Pokemon from taking it on with coverage and allow it to soft check (RH) most special attackers. Access to Pursuit allows Alolan Muk to punish switching out, particularly by frail foes such as Mega Alakazam and Hoopa-U. Good utility options such as Knock Off and Clear Smog lets it cripple opposing teams and deal with setup sweepers, while and Alolan Muk'(apo)s solid defenses—alongside Regenerator—allow it to serve as an excellent pivot and scout for attacks. However, Alolan Muk's comparatively low physical bulk leaves it prey to physical or mixed attackers such as Hoopa-U, and it's its dearth of coverage moves leaves it walled by the ever-(AH)present Steel-type Pokemon such as Magearna.

Utility Trapper
Muk-Alola @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 29 Spe
- Pursuit
- Knock Off
- Clear Smog
- Poison Jab / Gunk Shot

Set Comments

Moves

Pursuit deals double damage to foes that try and switch out, preventing the Pokemon Alolan Muk walls, such as Mega Alakazam, from simply pivoting out. Knock Off is a powerful STAB move that removes the foe'(apo)s item, providing Alolan Muk with a powerful STAB move and allowing Alolan Muk to cripple item-reliant Pokemon such as Magearna for the remainder of the match. Clear Smog removes the boosts of foes, allowing Alolan Muk to serve as an emergency stop to sweepers such as Tapu Fini and Snorlax. Poison Jab offers a reliable, high-(AH)PP STAB attack with which to wear does that can wear down foes (i think this is what you mean?) and has a nice chance to poison. Gunk Shot is another, more powerful option, but it has less PP and can miss.

Set Details

Maximum investment in HP and Special Defense, alongside an Assault Vest and a Sassy nature, makes Alolan Muk as specially bulky as possible. Regenerator heals Alolan Muk every time it switches out, allowing it to check threats multiple times per match. 29 Speed IVs and a Sassy nature ensure Alolan Muk moves after Magearna, allowing it to use Knock Off on whatever Pokemon is sent in after Magearna.

Usage Tips

Switch Alolan Muk readily into most special attackers to deal chip damage and scout for sets. If the opponent has a Hoopa-U, keep Alolan Muk healthy so it can reliably check it, as even with a resistance Hoopa-U deals heavy damage. When possible, avoid switching Alolan Muk into Water-type Pokemon, as burns cripple it's its already low damage output. If you don't know what the foe will do, clicking Knock Off is usually a good option, as few Pokemon don't appreciate losing their items. Be careful when Pursuit trapping foes, as if they stay in, (AC) the mediocre damage output may allow them to survive the attack and heavily damage Alolan Muk. Regenerator allows Alolan Muk to PP stall moves against foes such as Tapu Fini, (RC) but requires that a second pokemon be readily able to switch in in most cases.

Team Options

Physical walls such as Hippowdon, Buzzwole, and Skarmory are handy to take those attacks for Alolan Muk; the latter last two are particularly helpful, (AC) as they also cover Alolan Muk's Ground weakness. An additional special wall such as Magearna or Chansey is also useful to give Alolan Muk something to pivot to and regain HP. Entry hazard clearing from Pokemon such as Zapdos and Skarmory is appreciated, as Alolan Muk's reliance on Regenerator for healing leaves it especially susceptible to their chip damage. Unaware walls such as Chansey and Gligar are handy to take the pressure off Alolan Muk to check boosted attackers. Checks to physical Hoopa-U such as Mandibuzz and Hippowdon are also needed, as it can lure in and 2HKO Alolan Muk; in return, Muk can check special Hoopa-U for them. Magnet Pull Pokemon also pair well with it, as they can remove the Steel-type Pokemon that annoy Alolan Muk, while and in return it can use Knock Off to take off Shed Shells and render cripple Pokemon vulnerable to trapping.

Strategy Comments

Other Options


More Attack investment may be run to increase the damage of Alolan Muk's attacks, particularly Pursuit, but this allows special attackers such as Noivern to outdamage Regenerator more easily. A Choice Band Adaptability set with maximum Attack investment may also be used to lure in answers and trap things from higher health, but it cannot switch as readily and lacks the longevity of the Regenerator set.

Checks and Counters

Poison Heal Pokemon: Poison Heal Pokemon do not mind having their item knocked off after it takes effect, (RC) and can ignore Poison Jab's secondary effect. While Alolan Muk can handle users such as Tapu Fini by virtue of its typing, it has difficulty dealing lasting damage to, or even dealing with, common users such as Suicune, Zygarde, and Snorlax.

Steel-type Pokemon: Steel-type Pokemon are immune to Poison-type attacks, allowing them to switch in on those freely. Most Steel-type Pokemon used in AAA are bulky, allowing them to shrug off a Knock Off, and can generally use Alolan Muk as a free switch-in opportunity to freely switch in; only a select few, such as Doublade, can be threatened at all.

Physical Attackers: Physical attackers hit Alolan Muk on its weaker Defense stat, allowing them to more easily take it on. To make matters worse, most Ground-type Pokemon are physical attackers, and Earthquake is a common coverage option. While even physical attackers dislike losing their item, (RC) and thus cannot switch in freely, they tend to force out Alolan Muk once in.

Clearing-Resistant Set Up Setup: Substitute blocks Clear Smog, allowing users of this move Pokemon to set up on Alolan Muk. If it cannot readily break the Substitute, Alolan Muk has to rely on its teammates to take on the setup sweeper. Similarly, fast setup sweepers such as Manaphy can boost a stat multiple stages at a time, limiting the effectiveness of Alolan Muk's reactive anti-setup measures.
 
hi, gp 1/2
Overview
An excellent Dark / Poison typing gives Alolan Muk a resistance to Dark-type attacks such as Pursuit, (AC) and key immunities to Psychic and Toxic, while only being weak and a single weakness in to Ground.(period) Furthermore, its neutralities to Bug-, Fighting-, and Fairy-type attacks prevent most Psychic-type Pokemon from taking it on with coverage and allow it to soft check (RH) most special attackers. Access to Pursuit allows Alolan Muk to punish switching out, particularly by frail foes such as Mega Alakazam and Hoopa-U. Good utility options such as Knock Off and Clear Smog lets it cripple opposing teams and deal with setup sweepers, while and Alolan Muk'(apo)s solid defenses—alongside Regenerator—allow it to serve as an excellent pivot and scout for attacks. However, Alolan Muk's comparatively low physical bulk leaves it prey to physical or mixed attackers such as Hoopa-U, and it's its dearth of coverage moves leaves it walled by the ever-(AH)present Steel-type Pokemon such as Magearna.

Utility Trapper
Muk-Alola @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 29 Spe
- Pursuit
- Knock Off
- Clear Smog
- Poison Jab / Gunk Shot

Set Comments

Moves

Pursuit deals double damage to foes that try and switch out, preventing the Pokemon Alolan Muk walls, such as Mega Alakazam, from simply pivoting out. Knock Off is a powerful STAB move that removes the foe'(apo)s item, providing Alolan Muk with a powerful STAB move and allowing Alolan Muk to cripple item-reliant Pokemon such as Magearna for the remainder of the match. Clear Smog removes the boosts of foes, allowing Alolan Muk to serve as an emergency stop to sweepers such as Tapu Fini and Snorlax. Poison Jab offers a reliable, high-(AH)PP STAB attack with which to wear does that can wear down foes (i think this is what you mean?) and has a nice chance to poison. Gunk Shot is another, more powerful option, but it has less PP and can miss.

Set Details

Maximum investment in HP and Special Defense, alongside an Assault Vest and a Sassy nature, makes Alolan Muk as specially bulky as possible. Regenerator heals Alolan Muk every time it switches out, allowing it to check threats multiple times per match. 29 Speed IVs and a Sassy nature ensure Alolan Muk moves after Magearna, allowing it to use Knock Off on whatever Pokemon is sent in after Magearna.

Usage Tips

Switch Alolan Muk readily into most special attackers to deal chip damage and scout for sets. If the opponent has a Hoopa-U, keep Alolan Muk healthy so it can reliably check it, as even with a resistance Hoopa-U deals heavy damage. When possible, avoid switching Alolan Muk into Water-type Pokemon, as burns cripple it's its already low damage output. If you don't know what the foe will do, clicking Knock Off is usually a good option, as few Pokemon don't appreciate losing their items. Be careful when Pursuit trapping foes, as if they stay in, (AC) the mediocre damage output may allow them to survive the attack and heavily damage Alolan Muk. Regenerator allows Alolan Muk to PP stall moves against foes such as Tapu Fini, (RC) but requires that a second pokemon be readily able to switch in in most cases.

Team Options

Physical walls such as Hippowdon, Buzzwole, and Skarmory are handy to take those attacks for Alolan Muk; the latter last two are particularly helpful, (AC) as they also cover Alolan Muk's Ground weakness. An additional special wall such as Magearna or Chansey is also useful to give Alolan Muk something to pivot to and regain HP. Entry hazard clearing from Pokemon such as Zapdos and Skarmory is appreciated, as Alolan Muk's reliance on Regenerator for healing leaves it especially susceptible to their chip damage. Unaware walls such as Chansey and Gligar are handy to take the pressure off Alolan Muk to check boosted attackers. Checks to physical Hoopa-U such as Mandibuzz and Hippowdon are also needed, as it can lure in and 2HKO Alolan Muk; in return, Muk can check special Hoopa-U for them. Magnet Pull Pokemon also pair well with it, as they can remove the Steel-type Pokemon that annoy Alolan Muk, while and in return it can use Knock Off to take off Shed Shells and render cripple Pokemon vulnerable to trapping.

Strategy Comments

Other Options


More Attack investment may be run to increase the damage of Alolan Muk's attacks, particularly Pursuit, but this allows special attackers such as Noivern to outdamage Regenerator more easily. A Choice Band Adaptability set with maximum Attack investment may also be used to lure in answers and trap things from higher health, but it cannot switch as readily and lacks the longevity of the Regenerator set.

Checks and Counters

Poison Heal Pokemon: Poison Heal Pokemon do not mind having their item knocked off after it takes effect, (RC) and can ignore Poison Jab's secondary effect. While Alolan Muk can handle users such as Tapu Fini by virtue of its typing, it has difficulty dealing lasting damage to, or even dealing with, common users such as Suicune, Zygarde, and Snorlax.

Steel-type Pokemon: Steel-type Pokemon are immune to Poison-type attacks, allowing them to switch in on those freely. Most Steel-type Pokemon used in AAA are bulky, allowing them to shrug off a Knock Off, and can generally use Alolan Muk as a free switch-in opportunity to freely switch in; only a select few, such as Doublade, can be threatened at all.

Physical Attackers: Physical attackers hit Alolan Muk on its weaker Defense stat, allowing them to more easily take it on. To make matters worse, most Ground-type Pokemon are physical attackers, and Earthquake is a common coverage option. While even physical attackers dislike losing their item, (RC) and thus cannot switch in freely, they tend to force out Alolan Muk once in.

Clearing-Resistant Set Up Setup: Substitute blocks Clear Smog, allowing users of this move Pokemon to set up on Alolan Muk. If it cannot readily break the Substitute, Alolan Muk has to rely on its teammates to take on the setup sweeper. Similarly, fast setup sweepers such as Manaphy can boost a stat multiple stages at a time, limiting the effectiveness of Alolan Muk's reactive anti-setup measures.
Implemented, thank.
 

Temperley

Banned deucer.
Hey Quantum Tesseract, gonna give this a quick amcheck if you don't mind :)

Overview
An excellent Dark / Poison typing gives Alolan Muk a resistance to Dark-type attacks such as Pursuit, key immunities to Psychic and Toxic, and a single weakness in Ground. Furthermore, its neutralities to Bug-, Fighting-, and Fairy-type attacks prevent most Psychic-type Pokemon from taking it on with coverage and allow it to soft check most special attackers. Access to Pursuit allows Alolan Muk to punish foes switching out, particularly by frail foes such as Mega Alakazam and Hoopa-U. Alolan Muk's good utility options such as Knock Off and Clear Smog lets let it cripple opposing teams and deal with setup sweepers, and Alolan Muk's solid defenses—alongside Regenerator—allow it to serve as an excellent pivot and scout for attacks. However, Alolan Muk's comparatively low physical bulk leaves it prey to physical or mixed attackers such as Hoopa-U, and its dearth of coverage moves leaves it walled by the ever-present Steel-type Pokemon such as Magearna.

Utility Trapper
Muk-Alola @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 29 Spe
- Pursuit
- Knock Off
- Clear Smog
- Poison Jab / Gunk Shot

Set Comments

Moves
Pursuit deals double damage to foes that try and switch out, preventing the Pokemon that Alolan Muk walls, such as Mega Alakazam, from simply pivoting out. Knock Off is a powerful STAB move that removes the foe's item, allowing Alolan Muk to cripple item-reliant Pokemon such as Magearna and Chansey for the remainder of the match. Clear Smog removes the boosts of foes, allowing Alolan Muk to serve as an emergency stop to sweepers such as Tapu Fini and Snorlax. Poison Jab offers a reliable, high-PP STAB attack that can wear down foes and has a nice chance to poison. Gunk Shot is another, more powerful option, but it has less PP and can miss.

Set Details

Maximum investment in HP and Special Defense, alongside Assault Vest and a Sassy nature, makes Alolan Muk as specially bulky as possible. Regenerator heals Alolan Muk every time it switches out, allowing it to check threats multiple times per match. 29 Speed IVs and a Sassy nature ensure Alolan Muk moves after Magearna, allowing it to use Knock Off on whatever Pokemon is sent in after Magearna.

Usage Tips

Switch Alolan Muk readily into most special attackers to deal chip damage and scout the foe's set. If the opponent has a Hoopa-U, keep Alolan Muk healthy so it can reliably check it, as even with a resistance Hoopa-U deals Hoopa-U's resisted attacks deal heavy damage. When possible, avoid switching Alolan Muk into Water-type Pokemon, as burns cripple its already low damage output. If you don't know what the foe will do, clicking Knock Off is usually a good option, as few Pokemon don't mind their items being removed. Be careful when Pursuit trapping foes, as if they stay in, the mediocre damage output may allow them to survive the attack and heavily damage Alolan Muk. Regenerator allows Alolan Muk to PP stall moves against foes such as Tapu Fini but requires that a second Pokemon be readily able to switch in in most cases.

Team Options

Physical walls such as Hippowdon, Buzzwole, and Skarmory are handy to take those attacks physical attacks for Alolan Muk; the last two are particularly helpful, as they also cover Alolan Muk's Ground weakness. An additional special wall such as Magearna or Chansey is also useful to give Alolan Muk something to pivot to and regain HP. Entry hazard clearing from Pokemon such as Zapdos and Skarmory is appreciated, as Alolan Muk's reliance on Regenerator for healing leaves it especially susceptible to chip damage. Unaware walls such as Chansey and Gligar are handy to take the pressure off Alolan Muk to check boosted attackers. Checks to physical Hoopa-U such as Mandibuzz and Hippowdon are also needed, as it can lure in and 2HKO Alolan Muk; in return, Muk can check special Hoopa-U for them. Magnet Pull Pokemon also pair well with it, as they can remove the Steel-type Pokemon that annoy Alolan Muk, and in return, (add comma) it can use Knock Off to take off Shed Shells and render Pokemon vulnerable to trapping.

Strategy Comments

Other Options

More Attack investment may be run to increase the damage of Alolan Muk's attacks, particularly Pursuit, but this allows special attackers such as Noivern to outdamage Regenerator more easily. A Choice Band Adaptability set with maximum Attack investment may also be used to lure in answers and trap things foes from higher health, but it cannot switch as readily and lacks the longevity of the Regenerator set.

Checks and Counters

Poison Heal Pokemon: Poison Heal Pokemon do not mind having their item Knocked Off after it takes effect and can ignore Poison Jab's secondary effect. While Alolan Muk can handle users such as Tapu Fini by virtue of its typing, it has difficulty dealing lasting damage to, or even dealing with, common users such as Suicune, Zygarde, and Snorlax.

Steel-type Pokemon: Steel-type Pokemon are immune to Poison-type attacks, allowing them to switch in on those freely. Most Steel-type Pokemon used in AAA are bulky, allowing them to shrug off a Knock Off, and can generally use Alolan Muk to switch in; only a select few, such as Doublade, can be threatened at all.

Physical Attackers: Physical attackers hit Alolan Muk on its weaker Defense stat, allowing them to more easily take it on. To make matters worse, most Ground-type Pokemon are physical attackers, and Earthquake is a common coverage option. While even physical attackers dislike losing their item and thus cannot switch in freely, they tend to force out Alolan Muk once in.

Clearing-Resistant Setup: Substitute blocks Clear Smog, allowing users of this move to set up on Alolan Muk. If it cannot readily break the Substitute, Alolan Muk has to rely on its teammates to take on the setup sweeper. Similarly, fast setup sweepers such as Manaphy can boost a stat multiple stages at a time, limiting the effectiveness of Alolan Muk's reactive anti-setup measures.
 

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