Slowpoke
Incredibly slow and dopey. It takes 5 seconds for it to feel pain when under attack.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Surf serves as Slowpoke's main Water-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Slowpoke's Attack of 65, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Water.
Psychic is the STAB anchor of this set. The Psychic-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Slowpoke's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Psychic weaknesses.
As Slowpoke's trusted Water STAB option, Hydro Pump benefits from the 1.5x damage multiplier. This move should be your go-to attack in most situations, especially against opponents vulnerable to Water types.
As Slowpoke's trusted Water STAB option, Water Gun benefits from the 1.5x damage multiplier. This move should be your go-to attack in most situations, especially against opponents vulnerable to Water types.
Strengths
- ▸Slowpoke capitalizes on its Water/Psychic STAB moves—particularly Surf and Psychic—to threaten opponents who share type weaknesses
- ▸Slowpoke takes reduced damage from Fighting, Fire, Ice moves, giving it valuable switch-in opportunities
- ▸Slowpoke can fulfill multiple roles depending on how it's built and what team supports it
Weaknesses
- ▸Vulnerability to Bug, Dark, Electric types means Slowpoke must avoid switching into these attack types
- ▸The low speed of 15 is a significant liability that opponents can exploit
- ▸Below-average Speed (15) means Slowpoke will often move second, taking damage before it can act
- ▸The 315 BST means Slowpoke needs significant team support to overcome its raw stat deficiency
Pro Tips
Build Slowpoke as a physical attacker with Attack VP investment and a beneficial nature like Adamant. Assault Vest boosts Special Defense if Slowpoke needs to tank special hits. Use Slowpoke's resistances to Fighting, Fire to find safe entry points. Slowpoke works best as a support or niche pick rather than a primary win condition.
Competitive Role
Slowpoke fills the balanced utility Pokemon role within the competitive landscape. Stat-wise, Slowpoke brings 315 total points with hp as its standout stat at 90. 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. When used correctly, Slowpoke can surprise opponents in specific matchups.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Statistically, Slowpoke features 315 total base stats with hp (90) as its defining attribute and speed (15) as its weakest point. The moveset focuses on STAB damage with Surf, Psychic, trading coverage for raw same-type power. Type weaknesses to Bug, Dark, Electric mean Slowpoke must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Fighting, Fire, Ice provide safe switch-in opportunities. At Tier C, Slowpoke is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. For optimal performance, build Slowpoke with physical Attack investment, pairing it with a nature that boosts Attack or Speed.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Bug-type opponents: Slowpoke is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Slowpoke 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: Slowpoke has the advantage here. Its Water typing reduces incoming Fighting damage, allowing Slowpoke to tank hits and retaliate with Surf. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Speed matchups: Slowpoke's 15 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: Slowpoke has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Water moves deal super-effective damage to Electric types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Slowpoke when you expect Electric types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
Slowpoke excels when brought into battle at the right moment.
As a supportive role player, it needs proper setup to shine.
In the early game, use Slowpoke to apply pressure with Surf and Psychic, forcing the opponent to react.
Be wary of Bug types on the opponent's team—they will try to exploit Slowpoke's typing weakness.
The goal is to chip away at the opponent's team while preserving Slowpoke for crucial late-game moments.
During the mid-game, Slowpoke's role shifts to maintaining pressure while conserving HP.
Switch Slowpoke out when facing its weakness to Bug, and bring it back in when the opponent fields something Slowpoke can handle.
Use Hydro Pump as coverage to punish predicted switches.
The key to mid-game success with Slowpoke is prediction—anticipate what the opponent will do and respond accordingly.
By the endgame, Slowpoke should be used as a support piece rather than a primary finisher.
With 315 total stats, it's best deployed to weaken the last opponent Pokemon for a teammate to finish.
Use Surf to chip damage, then switch to your win condition.
The tier C rating indicates Slowpoke needs team support to succeed.
Team Synergy
- ▸Pair Slowpoke with a Fire-type partner to absorb Bug attacks that Slowpoke is weak to
- ▸A Water-type-only partner can cover Slowpoke's secondary Psychic weaknesses while sharing STAB coverage
- ▸Pair Slowpoke with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Send in a Bug-type Pokemon with STAB Bug moves to exploit Slowpoke's type weakness for super-effective damage
- ▸Faster attackers can freely hit Slowpoke before it gets a chance to act
- ▸Strong physical attackers can exploit Slowpoke's low Defense (65) for quick KOs with neutral physical moves
- ▸Special attackers target Slowpoke's weak Special Defense (40) for guaranteed damage
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Slowpoke with a Fire-type Pokemon that can switch into Bug attacks. This defensive core covers Slowpoke's primary weakness while Slowpoke handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Slowpoke alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Slowpoke's defensive typing. Switch Slowpoke in to absorb hits with its Fighting, Fire resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
Stall Core: Slowpoke can function in a stall-oriented team by using its resistances to Fighting, Fire to wall specific attackers. Add entry hazard setters and other defensive Pokemon to gradually wear down the opponent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Slowpoke good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Slowpoke is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 315 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Slowpoke can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Slowpoke?
A:For Slowpoke, Leftovers is the top item choice, providing passive recovery that synergizes with its high HP of 90. Alternative options include Assault Vest (if Slowpoke needs special bulk) or Sitrus Berry for emergency healing. The item choice should complement Slowpoke's role as a tank.
Q:What nature should I use for Slowpoke?
A:Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) is the best nature for Slowpoke, maximizing its physical damage output. Alternatively, Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack) works if you need Slowpoke to outspeed specific threats. Since Slowpoke's Attack (65) exceeds its Special Attack (40), always favor physical builds.
Q:How do I counter Slowpoke?
A:Slowpoke's biggest counters are Bug-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Slowpoke before it acts, especially given its 15 Speed. To beat Slowpoke, use Bug STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.