Slowking
It has incredible intellect and in tuition. Whatever the situation, it remains calm and collected.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Surf is the STAB anchor of this set. The Water-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Slowking's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Water weaknesses.
As Slowking's trusted Psychic STAB option, Psychic benefits from the 1.5x damage multiplier. This move should be your go-to attack in most situations, especially against opponents vulnerable to Psychic types.
Hydro Pump is Slowking's primary STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move, dealing Water-type damage with a 50% power boost. As a special move, it synergizes with Slowking's Special Attack stat of 100, making it the most reliable damage dealer in the set.
Water Gun is the STAB anchor of this set. The Water-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Slowking's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Water weaknesses.
Strengths
- ▸With Water/Psychic as its typing, Slowking uses Surf and Psychic as reliable damage dealers that benefit from the 50% same-type attack bonus
- ▸Resisting Fighting, Fire, Ice gives Slowking natural durability when facing opponents that rely on these types
- ▸An impressive 110 spDef stat lets Slowking absorb heavy hits
- ▸The 490 base stat total means Slowking won't win raw stat wars but can succeed with the right strategy
Weaknesses
- ▸Opponents with Bug, Dark, Electric coverage moves can punish Slowking heavily if it stays in
- ▸An below-average speed (30) means Slowking is vulnerable when facing attacks targeting this stat
- ▸Slow speed (30) forces Slowking to rely on bulk or priority moves to compete
Pro Tips
Special Attack should be Slowking's primary VP investment given its higher special stat. Sitrus Berry or Recovery items help Slowking sustain through extended battles. Predict Bug moves and double-switch to preserve Slowking for later. Build teams that cover Slowking's weaknesses while it handles the matchups it's strong against.
Competitive Role
Slowking's competitive identity is that of a special wall. With a 490 base stat total led by its spDef of 110, Slowking has balanced stats that can serve multiple purposes. Its Water/Psychic typing creates vulnerabilities to Bug, Dark, Electric types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Fighting, Fire, Ice provide switch-in opportunities. Overall, Slowking is a viable option that rewards players who understand its strengths and limitations.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Slowking brings a 490 base stat total to the battlefield, with its stat distribution favoring a spDef-focused build. The moveset focuses on STAB damage with Surf, Psychic, trading coverage for raw same-type power. Type weaknesses to Bug, Dark, Electric mean Slowking must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Fighting, Fire, Ice provide safe switch-in opportunities. The Tier B rating indicates Slowking is a viable mid-tier pick that needs the right team to shine. Special Attack should be the primary investment for Slowking, with a Modest or Timid nature to maximize its special damage potential.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Bug-type opponents: Slowking is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Slowking in against Bug types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Bug. If forced to fight, use Surf and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Fighting-type opponents: Slowking has the advantage here. Its Water typing reduces incoming Fighting damage, allowing Slowking to tank hits and retaliate with Surf. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Speed matchups: Slowking's 30 Speed means it will move second against most offensive Pokemon. Plan around this by using priority moves, switching predictions, or pairing with Trick Room support to reverse the speed order. Against Electric-type opponents: Slowking has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Water moves deal super-effective damage to Electric types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Slowking when you expect Electric types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
In the opening turns, Send out Slowking when you anticipate the opponent leading with something Slowking can threaten with its Water/Psychic STAB moves.
With a spDef stat of 110, Slowking functions best as a defensive pivot.
The key is to identify matchups where Slowking can either deal damage safely or force the opponent to switch, giving you tempo advantage.
Avoid leading with it against Bug types, as they can punish Slowking heavily.
As the battle progresses, Slowking should be used strategically rather than recklessly.
The Water/Psychic typing means Slowking has specific matchups it wins and loses—identify these early and play accordingly.
Against Bug types, switch out immediately.
Against opponents weak to Water, stay in and attack.
Surf should be your primary attack, with Psychic for coverage when needed.
In the final stages of battle, Slowking can contribute by softening up the opponent's last Pokemon.
Don't expect Slowking to sweep—it should set up the KO for a stronger teammate.
Use resistances to Fighting, Fire to tank a hit, then strike with Surf before switching out.
Team Synergy
- ▸Pair Slowking with a Fire-type partner to absorb Bug attacks that Slowking is weak to
- ▸Pair with a Pokemon that can set up screens (Reflect, Light Screen) to extend Slowking's survivability
- ▸Combine with a pivot (Volt Switch, U-turn) user to bring Slowking in safely on favorable matchups
- ▸Consider adding a Steel type for defensive synergy, as Steel covers many of Slowking's potential weaknesses
How to Counter
- ▸Send in a Bug-type Pokemon with STAB Bug moves to exploit Slowking's type weakness for super-effective damage
- ▸Faster attackers can freely hit Slowking before it gets a chance to act
- ▸Burn cuts Slowking's Attack in half, significantly reducing its physical damage output
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Slowking with a Fire-type Pokemon that can switch into Bug attacks. This defensive core covers Slowking's primary weakness while Slowking handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Offensive Core: Combine Slowking with a setup sweeper that benefits from Slowking's ability to weaken walls. Use Surf to chip down tanks, then bring in your sweeper to clean up. Add a priority user to handle faster threats.
Weather Team: If building a weather team, Slowking's Water/Psychic typing synergizes with weather conditions that boost Water moves. Add a weather setter and Pokemon that benefit from the same conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Slowking good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Slowking is a mid-tier option in Pokemon Champions (Tier B). Its 490 base stat total and Water/Psychic typing give it a niche, but it requires careful team building to succeed. Consider Slowking if you need its specific typing coverage or if you enjoy using unconventional picks.
Q:What's the best item for Slowking?
A:For Slowking, Leftovers is the top item choice, providing passive recovery that synergizes with its high HP of 95. Alternative options include Assault Vest (if Slowking needs special bulk) or Sitrus Berry for emergency healing. The item choice should complement Slowking's role as a tank.
Q:What nature should I use for Slowking?
A:Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack) is recommended for Slowking, boosting its stronger special stat. Timid (+Speed, -Attack) is an alternative if speed is critical. With Special Attack at 100 vs Attack at 75, special builds are clearly superior for Slowking.
Q:How do I counter Slowking?
A:Slowking's biggest counters are Bug-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Slowking before it acts, especially given its 30 Speed. To beat Slowking, use Bug STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.