taken over from here
QC: fleggumfl / Hootie / bludz
GP: The Dutch Plumberjack / Snobalt
[OVERVIEW]
With a high HP stat, decent defenses, especially with an Assault Vest, and an admirable Attack stat, Conkeldurr has the potential to be a formidable tank. Having two exceptional abilities in Guts and Sheer Force, it has capability to be a solid status absorber or a devastating wallbreaker, allowing it to check common threats such as Heatran, Rotom-W, and Gengar. Additionally, a vast array of coverage options means few Pokemon in the tier will solidly be able to switch into Conkeldurr, although this leads to issues with four-moveslot syndrome. What's more, one of Conkeldurr's most crippling flaws is its terrible Speed stat. While its access to Mach Punch somewhat alleviates this issue, but faster threats that resist or take minimal damage from it can easily defeat a weakened Conkeldurr. Although its typing makes it resistant to Stealth Rock and allows it check Bisharp, Tyranitar, and Mega Lopunny, it leaves it with few resistances and with weaknesses to common attacking types. This means that Conkeldurr has issues switching into attacks and applying offensive pressure as much as it wants to.
[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Drain Punch
move 2: Mach Punch
move 3: Knock Off / Ice Punch
move 4: Ice Punch / Stone Edge
item: Assault Vest
ability: Guts
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 236 SpD / 20 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Drain Punch is Conkeldurr's most reliable STAB move, dealing heavy damage to most targets thanks to Conkeldurr's high Attack stat while recovering lost HP in the process. Mach Punch is a decently powerful priority move that allows Conkeldurr to somewhat mitigate its low Speed stat and check and eliminate weakened threats such as Bisharp, Excadrill, Hoopa-U, Mega Lopunny, and Weavile. Knock Off nails Psychic- and Ghost-types that might attempt to switch in, such as Alakazam, Gengar, Latios, Mew, and Starmie, for super effective damage and has the utility of removing the foe's item. Ice Punch does massive damage to the majority of bulky Ground-types, such as Gliscor, Garchomp, and Landorus-T. However, Stone Edge can be run to stop Conkeldurr from being complete bait to Mega Charizard Y, Mega Pinsir, Talonflame, and Volcarona. Poison Jab is a final option that targets Fairy-types such as Azumarill, Clefable, Mega Gardevior, and Sylveon, dealing decent damage to them all.
Set Details
========
By equipping an Assault Vest and using near-maximum Special Defense investment, Conkeldurr becomes incredibly specially bulky and extremely hard to OHKO with a special attack. Maximum Attack investment in tandem with an Adamant nature lets it hit as hard as possible, enabling it to put massive dents into opposing Pokemon. Guts is chosen over Sheer Force, as it allows Conkeldurr to act as a fantastic status absorber against the likes of Thundurus, Rotom-W, and Heatran. 20 Speed EVs allow it to outspeed uninvested Hippowdon and thus be able to pick a weakened one off with Ice Punch.
Usage Tips
========
Assault Vest Conkeldurr's best use is as an offensive pivot that is able to switch into special attacks with ease early in the game. Use it to check the likes of Kyurem-B, Thundurus, Heatran, Keldeo, Gengar, and Mega Manectric. Although Conkeldurr may be a decent check to Electric-type Pokemon due to its naturally high special bulk, switching into a foe's Volt Switch leaves it in an awkward position, as the opponent is free to switch into a check or counter. It doesn't fear switching into a potential Scald, Thunder Wave, or Will-O-Wisp as much as other Assault Vest users might thanks to Guts, so it acts as a fantastic status absorber. Early-game, Knock Off is generally Conkeldurr's go-to attack, as removing an item from the likes of Clefable, Hippowdon, and Landorus-T helps teammates wear them down more easily. For the majority of the time after that, Drain Punch is the best option to keep Conkeldurr's health up throughout the match. Coverage moves should generally be used on a predicted switch. If the opponent has a powerful Dark-type such as Bisharp, Weavile, or Mega Gyarados, Conkeldurr can be used late-game to revenge kill them with Mach Punch.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that enjoy having a switch-in to Gengar and special Electric-types such as Thundurus and Mega Manectric, are good partners for Conkeldurr. Examples include Slowbro, Landorus-T, Metagross, Rotom-W, Manaphy, and Azumarill. Klefki checks Latios and Latias and provides Thunder Wave and Spikes support if using a more offensively oriented team build. Teammates that are able to check powerful Flying-types, such as Mega Manectric, which also appreciates Conkeldurr's ability to check Excadrill, Tyranitar, and Rotom-W, provide good type synergy with Conkeldurr. Pokemon that like having a solid status absorber, such as Landorus-T, Metagross, and Mega Scizor, pair well with it too. Sweepers that get crippled by Will-O-Wisp or Thunder Wave, such as Mega Gyarados and Mega Altaria, also fit into this category, as Conkeldurr can take advantage of status thanks to Guts. Metagross can form a double Assault Vest core with Conkeldurr, take on Fairy-types with ease, and Pursuit trap Latias and Latios. In return, Conkeldurr can switch into status moves and defeat Dark-types. Talonflame is able to eliminate Mega Venusaur and Fairy-types such as Clefable and Mega Gardevoir, which are huge threats to Conkeldurr. Fairy-types, such as Sylveon, Clefable, Mega Gardevoir, and Mega Diancie are all able to defeat Mega Sableye, which walls Conkeldurr with little effort. Clefable in particular also checks Latios and Latias better than most other Fairy-types.
[SET]
name: Sheer Force Attacker
move 1: Mach Punch
move 2: Drain Punch / Superpower
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Thunder Punch / Poison Jab
item: Life Orb
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Adamant
evs: 48 HP / 252 Atk / 208 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Mach Punch is a powerful priority move that can let Conkeldurr eliminate faster threats such as Excadrill, Mega Lopunny, Mega Gyarados, Hoopa-U, and Weavile. Drain Punch is Conkeldurr's most reliable STAB attack, hitting fairly hard and allowing it to recover lost HP in the process. On the other hand, Superpower is far more devastating and puts massive dents in Pokemon that don't resist it, but it comes with the cost of lowering Attack and Defense, meaning it will normally force Conkeldurr to switch out. Ice Punch provides fantastic coverage with Conkeldurr's Fighting-type STAB moves and can cripple the likes of Hippowdon, Garchomp, Latias, Gliscor, and Landorus-T. Thunder Punch breaks down Water- and Flying-type Pokemon such as Slowbro, Suicune, Skarmory, Talonflame, and Charizard Y, that Conkeldurr might struggle with. Poison Jab obliterates most Fairy-types that are able to comfortably handle its other moves, such as Clefable, Mega Altaria, Mega Gardevoir, and Azumarill. Rock Slide is another option that allows Conkeldurr to target Volcarona, Talonflame, and Mega Charizard Y on the switch; however, all three are hit hard by many of its other coverage moves, and thus it generally isn't worth the moveslot.
Set Details
========
208 Speed EVs allow Conkeldurr to outpace uninvested Skarmory and hit it hard with Thunder Punch. Maximum Attack investment with an Adamant nature lets it hit as hard as possible. The remaining EVs are placed into HP to increase Conkeldurr's overall bulk. An alternative EV spread of 128 HP / 252 Atk / 128 Spe can be used to outpace Clefable and have slightly more bulk than the main spread. Sheer Force boosts the power of Conkeldurr's attacks with secondary effects while negating Life Orb recoil on said moves. While Life Orb slowly lowers Conkeldurr's HP if it uses its STAB moves, this is somewhat mitigated by Drain Punch.
Usage Tips
========
For the majority of the time while using Conkeldurr, taking advantage of Drain Punch's recovery is the best way to keep its HP high throughout the match. Unless the opponent has something Conkeldurr is able to revenge kill late-game, such as Mega Gyarados or Bisharp, most of the time you should bring it in early to punch holes in the opposing team. Use Conkeldurr's coverage moves accordingly to eliminate its typical checks. For example, if running Poison Jab, you can use it on a predicted Fairy-type switch-in to hit it super effectively. Prediction is a major factor when using Conkeldurr's coverage moves, as due to its low Speed stat, most of the time it won't be able to attack before the foe.
Team Options
========
Partners for this set vary depending on the coverage moves Conkeldurr runs. When running Thunder Punch, Pokemon that appreciate bulky Water-types such as Slowbro and Suicune removed or weakened, such as Talonflame, Metagross, Victini, Mega Scizor, and Landorus-T, make for good partners. Landorus-T also checks physical Flying-type Pokemon, especially Talonflame. When running Poison Jab, pair Conkeldurr up with Pokemon that appreciate Fairy-types being eliminated, such as Keldeo, Hoopa-U, Garchomp, and Weavile. Fairy-type Pokemon, such as Clefable, Sylveon, and Mega Diancie, are able to defeat Conkeldurr's biggest counter, Mega Sableye. Mega Diancie in particular appreciates Conkeldurr's ability to defeat specially defensive Skarmory and Ferrothorn. In return, Mega Diancie is able to beat most Flying-types. Steel-type Pokemon eliminate Psychic- and Fairy-types that Conkeldurr is vulnerable to. Notably, Mega Metagross is able to Pursuit trap Latios and Latias and defeat Mega Venusaur and Fairy-types. Dark-types such as Hoopa-U, Bisharp, and Weavile are able to defeat bulky Psychic-types that Conkeldurr loathes. Weavile also threatens Flying-types such as Tornadus and Mega Pinsir.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
By equipping a Toxic Orb or Flame Orb, Conkeldurr is able to activate its own Guts without having to rely on opposing status moves. With a Choice Band, Conkeldurr hits incredibly hard and can still take advantage of Guts to boost its firepower when it has a status condition, although it appreciates the ability to switch moves freely. Fire Punch allows Conkeldurr to obliterate Mega Scizor and Klefki.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Mega Sableye**: Due to its unique typing and Mega Evolution status, Mega Sableye completely walls Conkeldurr, as it's immune to Conkeldurr's STAB attacks, takes reduced damage from Knock Off, and is neutral to any coverage move Conkeldurr can use on it.
**Mega Venusaur**: Conkeldurr struggles to do much damage to Mega Venusaur, while Venusaur can heal off any damage dealt with Giga Drain or Synthesis.
**Psychic-types**: While they must be wary of Knock Off, Psychic-types such as Latios, Slowbro, and Mega Alakazam can all threaten Conkeldurr with a powerful Psyshock while resisting Conkeldurr's STAB attacks.
**Flying-types**: Flying-types, such as Tornadus-T, Talonflame, and Togekiss, can easily shrug off a STAB attack from Conkeldurr and easily threaten it out with the threat of a super effective Hurricane, Brave Bird, or Air Slash.
**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types, such as Clefable, Azumarill, and Mega Gardevoir, can easily switch into any of Conkeldurr's moves besides Poison Jab and either use Conkeldurr as setup fodder or eliminate it.
QC: fleggumfl / Hootie / bludz
GP: The Dutch Plumberjack / Snobalt
[OVERVIEW]
With a high HP stat, decent defenses, especially with an Assault Vest, and an admirable Attack stat, Conkeldurr has the potential to be a formidable tank. Having two exceptional abilities in Guts and Sheer Force, it has capability to be a solid status absorber or a devastating wallbreaker, allowing it to check common threats such as Heatran, Rotom-W, and Gengar. Additionally, a vast array of coverage options means few Pokemon in the tier will solidly be able to switch into Conkeldurr, although this leads to issues with four-moveslot syndrome. What's more, one of Conkeldurr's most crippling flaws is its terrible Speed stat. While its access to Mach Punch somewhat alleviates this issue, but faster threats that resist or take minimal damage from it can easily defeat a weakened Conkeldurr. Although its typing makes it resistant to Stealth Rock and allows it check Bisharp, Tyranitar, and Mega Lopunny, it leaves it with few resistances and with weaknesses to common attacking types. This means that Conkeldurr has issues switching into attacks and applying offensive pressure as much as it wants to.
[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Drain Punch
move 2: Mach Punch
move 3: Knock Off / Ice Punch
move 4: Ice Punch / Stone Edge
item: Assault Vest
ability: Guts
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 236 SpD / 20 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Drain Punch is Conkeldurr's most reliable STAB move, dealing heavy damage to most targets thanks to Conkeldurr's high Attack stat while recovering lost HP in the process. Mach Punch is a decently powerful priority move that allows Conkeldurr to somewhat mitigate its low Speed stat and check and eliminate weakened threats such as Bisharp, Excadrill, Hoopa-U, Mega Lopunny, and Weavile. Knock Off nails Psychic- and Ghost-types that might attempt to switch in, such as Alakazam, Gengar, Latios, Mew, and Starmie, for super effective damage and has the utility of removing the foe's item. Ice Punch does massive damage to the majority of bulky Ground-types, such as Gliscor, Garchomp, and Landorus-T. However, Stone Edge can be run to stop Conkeldurr from being complete bait to Mega Charizard Y, Mega Pinsir, Talonflame, and Volcarona. Poison Jab is a final option that targets Fairy-types such as Azumarill, Clefable, Mega Gardevior, and Sylveon, dealing decent damage to them all.
Set Details
========
By equipping an Assault Vest and using near-maximum Special Defense investment, Conkeldurr becomes incredibly specially bulky and extremely hard to OHKO with a special attack. Maximum Attack investment in tandem with an Adamant nature lets it hit as hard as possible, enabling it to put massive dents into opposing Pokemon. Guts is chosen over Sheer Force, as it allows Conkeldurr to act as a fantastic status absorber against the likes of Thundurus, Rotom-W, and Heatran. 20 Speed EVs allow it to outspeed uninvested Hippowdon and thus be able to pick a weakened one off with Ice Punch.
Usage Tips
========
Assault Vest Conkeldurr's best use is as an offensive pivot that is able to switch into special attacks with ease early in the game. Use it to check the likes of Kyurem-B, Thundurus, Heatran, Keldeo, Gengar, and Mega Manectric. Although Conkeldurr may be a decent check to Electric-type Pokemon due to its naturally high special bulk, switching into a foe's Volt Switch leaves it in an awkward position, as the opponent is free to switch into a check or counter. It doesn't fear switching into a potential Scald, Thunder Wave, or Will-O-Wisp as much as other Assault Vest users might thanks to Guts, so it acts as a fantastic status absorber. Early-game, Knock Off is generally Conkeldurr's go-to attack, as removing an item from the likes of Clefable, Hippowdon, and Landorus-T helps teammates wear them down more easily. For the majority of the time after that, Drain Punch is the best option to keep Conkeldurr's health up throughout the match. Coverage moves should generally be used on a predicted switch. If the opponent has a powerful Dark-type such as Bisharp, Weavile, or Mega Gyarados, Conkeldurr can be used late-game to revenge kill them with Mach Punch.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that enjoy having a switch-in to Gengar and special Electric-types such as Thundurus and Mega Manectric, are good partners for Conkeldurr. Examples include Slowbro, Landorus-T, Metagross, Rotom-W, Manaphy, and Azumarill. Klefki checks Latios and Latias and provides Thunder Wave and Spikes support if using a more offensively oriented team build. Teammates that are able to check powerful Flying-types, such as Mega Manectric, which also appreciates Conkeldurr's ability to check Excadrill, Tyranitar, and Rotom-W, provide good type synergy with Conkeldurr. Pokemon that like having a solid status absorber, such as Landorus-T, Metagross, and Mega Scizor, pair well with it too. Sweepers that get crippled by Will-O-Wisp or Thunder Wave, such as Mega Gyarados and Mega Altaria, also fit into this category, as Conkeldurr can take advantage of status thanks to Guts. Metagross can form a double Assault Vest core with Conkeldurr, take on Fairy-types with ease, and Pursuit trap Latias and Latios. In return, Conkeldurr can switch into status moves and defeat Dark-types. Talonflame is able to eliminate Mega Venusaur and Fairy-types such as Clefable and Mega Gardevoir, which are huge threats to Conkeldurr. Fairy-types, such as Sylveon, Clefable, Mega Gardevoir, and Mega Diancie are all able to defeat Mega Sableye, which walls Conkeldurr with little effort. Clefable in particular also checks Latios and Latias better than most other Fairy-types.
[SET]
name: Sheer Force Attacker
move 1: Mach Punch
move 2: Drain Punch / Superpower
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Thunder Punch / Poison Jab
item: Life Orb
ability: Sheer Force
nature: Adamant
evs: 48 HP / 252 Atk / 208 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Mach Punch is a powerful priority move that can let Conkeldurr eliminate faster threats such as Excadrill, Mega Lopunny, Mega Gyarados, Hoopa-U, and Weavile. Drain Punch is Conkeldurr's most reliable STAB attack, hitting fairly hard and allowing it to recover lost HP in the process. On the other hand, Superpower is far more devastating and puts massive dents in Pokemon that don't resist it, but it comes with the cost of lowering Attack and Defense, meaning it will normally force Conkeldurr to switch out. Ice Punch provides fantastic coverage with Conkeldurr's Fighting-type STAB moves and can cripple the likes of Hippowdon, Garchomp, Latias, Gliscor, and Landorus-T. Thunder Punch breaks down Water- and Flying-type Pokemon such as Slowbro, Suicune, Skarmory, Talonflame, and Charizard Y, that Conkeldurr might struggle with. Poison Jab obliterates most Fairy-types that are able to comfortably handle its other moves, such as Clefable, Mega Altaria, Mega Gardevoir, and Azumarill. Rock Slide is another option that allows Conkeldurr to target Volcarona, Talonflame, and Mega Charizard Y on the switch; however, all three are hit hard by many of its other coverage moves, and thus it generally isn't worth the moveslot.
Set Details
========
208 Speed EVs allow Conkeldurr to outpace uninvested Skarmory and hit it hard with Thunder Punch. Maximum Attack investment with an Adamant nature lets it hit as hard as possible. The remaining EVs are placed into HP to increase Conkeldurr's overall bulk. An alternative EV spread of 128 HP / 252 Atk / 128 Spe can be used to outpace Clefable and have slightly more bulk than the main spread. Sheer Force boosts the power of Conkeldurr's attacks with secondary effects while negating Life Orb recoil on said moves. While Life Orb slowly lowers Conkeldurr's HP if it uses its STAB moves, this is somewhat mitigated by Drain Punch.
Usage Tips
========
For the majority of the time while using Conkeldurr, taking advantage of Drain Punch's recovery is the best way to keep its HP high throughout the match. Unless the opponent has something Conkeldurr is able to revenge kill late-game, such as Mega Gyarados or Bisharp, most of the time you should bring it in early to punch holes in the opposing team. Use Conkeldurr's coverage moves accordingly to eliminate its typical checks. For example, if running Poison Jab, you can use it on a predicted Fairy-type switch-in to hit it super effectively. Prediction is a major factor when using Conkeldurr's coverage moves, as due to its low Speed stat, most of the time it won't be able to attack before the foe.
Team Options
========
Partners for this set vary depending on the coverage moves Conkeldurr runs. When running Thunder Punch, Pokemon that appreciate bulky Water-types such as Slowbro and Suicune removed or weakened, such as Talonflame, Metagross, Victini, Mega Scizor, and Landorus-T, make for good partners. Landorus-T also checks physical Flying-type Pokemon, especially Talonflame. When running Poison Jab, pair Conkeldurr up with Pokemon that appreciate Fairy-types being eliminated, such as Keldeo, Hoopa-U, Garchomp, and Weavile. Fairy-type Pokemon, such as Clefable, Sylveon, and Mega Diancie, are able to defeat Conkeldurr's biggest counter, Mega Sableye. Mega Diancie in particular appreciates Conkeldurr's ability to defeat specially defensive Skarmory and Ferrothorn. In return, Mega Diancie is able to beat most Flying-types. Steel-type Pokemon eliminate Psychic- and Fairy-types that Conkeldurr is vulnerable to. Notably, Mega Metagross is able to Pursuit trap Latios and Latias and defeat Mega Venusaur and Fairy-types. Dark-types such as Hoopa-U, Bisharp, and Weavile are able to defeat bulky Psychic-types that Conkeldurr loathes. Weavile also threatens Flying-types such as Tornadus and Mega Pinsir.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
By equipping a Toxic Orb or Flame Orb, Conkeldurr is able to activate its own Guts without having to rely on opposing status moves. With a Choice Band, Conkeldurr hits incredibly hard and can still take advantage of Guts to boost its firepower when it has a status condition, although it appreciates the ability to switch moves freely. Fire Punch allows Conkeldurr to obliterate Mega Scizor and Klefki.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Mega Sableye**: Due to its unique typing and Mega Evolution status, Mega Sableye completely walls Conkeldurr, as it's immune to Conkeldurr's STAB attacks, takes reduced damage from Knock Off, and is neutral to any coverage move Conkeldurr can use on it.
**Mega Venusaur**: Conkeldurr struggles to do much damage to Mega Venusaur, while Venusaur can heal off any damage dealt with Giga Drain or Synthesis.
**Psychic-types**: While they must be wary of Knock Off, Psychic-types such as Latios, Slowbro, and Mega Alakazam can all threaten Conkeldurr with a powerful Psyshock while resisting Conkeldurr's STAB attacks.
**Flying-types**: Flying-types, such as Tornadus-T, Talonflame, and Togekiss, can easily shrug off a STAB attack from Conkeldurr and easily threaten it out with the threat of a super effective Hurricane, Brave Bird, or Air Slash.
**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types, such as Clefable, Azumarill, and Mega Gardevoir, can easily switch into any of Conkeldurr's moves besides Poison Jab and either use Conkeldurr as setup fodder or eliminate it.
Last edited:
