Salamence MOTW

Pokémon Moveset of the Week

"Behold the A-10"
Pokémon: Salamence
Nature: Bold
Ability: Intimidate
Item: Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
EV Spread: 180 HP / 220 Def / 100 SpA / 4 SpD / 4 Spe
- Roost
- Defog / Roar
- Fire Blast
- Draco Meteor

Guten Tag, Freunde! MG returns with yet another crazy-looking MOTW, this time featuring a pseudo-legendary from Hoenn. Since its release back in Ruby and Sapphire, Salamence has terrorized the meta thanks to its huge stats and movepool. But, in recent years, Salamence has seen less and less action due to power creep (ignoring its Mega Evolution). As such, I wanted a way to bring a fresher take on an age-old terror.

Now, I'll admit, Salamence's 95/80/80 defensive stats aren't exactly ideal. But, with a combination of Intimidate and defensive investment, Salamence is able to pull off a decent physically defensive set. However, in order to maximize its potential and for it to not become complete setup bait, it needs a bit of offensive investment, too. 100 Special Attack guarantees an OHKO against offensive Zygarde with Draco Meteor, while the defensive investment and Bold Nature allows it to live a neutral-boosted Outrage from it, so you can switch in and not fear it Dragon Dancing on you as you switch. The 4 EVs in both Special Defense and Speed are leftover points, but you can put all 8 into its Defense to add a single point (don't add them to HP, or else you'll have an even max HP). As for the item and Ability, Intimidate is there to maximize Salamence's defensive capability, while Leftovers or Rocky Helmet are for either gradual recovery or adding a bit of a sting to anything that hits Salamence with a contact move.

For its moves, Roost is fairly self-explanatory, offering Salamence recovery while also allowing it to dodge a super-effective hit once in a while, provided it's faster than its opponent. The choice between Defog and Roar is up to you, though Roar may be more beneficial, as Salamence has a hard time coming in on Stealth Rock setters. Fire Blast is there to allow Salamence to hit Pokémon like Ferrothorn and Tapu Bulu, who can shrug off Draco Meteor, your primary STAB attack, with ease.

Team support and a strong wall core are essential to ensuring this Salamence's success as a tank. Partners such as Toxapex, Celesteela, and other strong walls help to patch up this Salamence's weakness to special attacks, while Defog/Rapid Spin and other support assists in keeping Salamence alive. Pokémon that can handle common counters like Heatran, Tapu Koko, and Mega Venusaur, are very helpful as well, making it easier for Salamence to work effectively.

Well, that's all for this Salamence! Best of luck with your battles!