I found it kind of odd that Malaconda doesn't have any analysis yet and we're going onto CAP6 so I figured writing it up is a good idea. I have written analyses before in other tiers so have no fear, I am somewhat qualified!
I'm going to write everything out in standard Smogon formatting then change it to CAP formatting after the QC checks since it's infinity times easier to read Smogon formatting.
<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>As the only OU-viable Pokemon with Harvest, Malaconda was destined to be used in tandem with Drought. Malaconda's high Special Defense and access to Rapid Spin make it an excellent addition to sun teams regardless; its typing and bulk ensure that it can handle troublesome threats to these teams, such as Latios and Latias, and allow it to use Rapid Spin while getting past spinblockers easily. It also makes a great pivot against most Pokemon found on offensive rain teams thanks to the presence of moves such as U-turn and Glare in its arsenal. However, make no mistake, Malaconda is not limited to being used on sun teams. It can make a valuable addition to rain teams that require a spinner, as Malaconda greatly appreciates the of weakening Fire-type moves in rain, while its typing allows it to take powerful Electric-type attacks aimed at its teammates.</p>
<p>Unfortunately for Malaconda, its typing and average offensive stats cause it to become easy prey for dangerous foes. Its two biggest counters, Scizor and Heatran, get a good amount of usage, and Malaconda has no means of retaliation against them. Its subpar Defense stat is also a cause for concern, as it greatly reduces Malaconda's tanking ability. All in all, Malaconda is an excellent utility Pokemon which can be the final piece in the puzzle for your team, but it is not a Pokemon you should build your team around.</p>
<script type="text/javascript">
var set = new CAPSet();
set.name = "Pivot";
set.move[1] = "Rapid Spin";
set.move[2] = ["Crunch", "Glare", "Pursuit"];
set.move[3] = ["Power Whip", "Glare"];
set.move[4] = "U-turn";
set.item = "Sitrus Berry";
set.ability = "Harvest";
set.nature = "Careful";
set.evs.HP = 252;
set.evs.Atk = 24;
set.evs.SpD = 232;
document.write(composeSet(set));
</script>
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While Malaconda lacks a reliable recovery move, the combination of Harvest and Sitrus Berry is the next best thing for this purpose. This passive recovery, along with Malaconda's bulk, makes it extremely hard to take down under sunlight. Rapid Spin allows Malaconda to better support the team by ridding its side of the field of entry hazards. Offensively, Crunch is the STAB move of choice as it ensures that no Ghost-type (aside from the rare Sableye) has a safe time switching in and blocking Rapid Spin, while Power Whip is fairly powerful and is a useful asset against bulkier Pokemon, such as Tyranitar and Hippowdon. U-turn plays to Malaconda's strengths, as with the move it can be used as a pivot for the purpose of bringing in other team members safely; first, Malaconda can use its bulk to switch in, and then it can U-turn on the ensuing switch, maintaining momentum for your team.</p>
<p>In terms of other move options, Glare is an acceptable choice, as it ensures that Malaconda cannot be used as setup bait, and can replace either of Malaconda's STAB attacks, depending on which one is least valuable. However, do be warned that setup sweepers that use Substitute, such as Substitute + Dragon Dance Dragonite, can use this to their advantage. As an alternate choice, Pursuit allows Malaconda to trap various Pokemon, most notably Latios and Latias.</p>
<p>The EV spread provided allows Malaconda to 2HKO Latias with Crunch, while the EVs in Special Defense mean that a Choice Specs Latios Draco Meteor will do just over 50% damage, guaranteeing that its Sitrus Berry will activate. Malaconda is best suited for sun teams, as the constant sun ensures that Harvest will work 100% of the time, and Malaconda can repay the favor by spinning away the hazards that are deadly to sun teams. In addition, it makes a great switch-in to Politoed, as it can take all of its attacks with ease, although a stray Toxic or Scald burn will be fatal. Malaconda can also be used on rain teams, as it greatly appreciates the reduction in the power of Fire-type attacks, but doing so reduces the chance of Harvest working to 50%.</p>
<p>In terms of teammates, Skarmory is an excellent choice as it can act as a physical wall courtesy of its high Defense, while also being able to provide residual damage in the form of Spikes. In turn, Malaconda can take special attacks aimed at Skarmory with relative ease. Jellicent also makes for a good partner, as it has the upper hand against Choice Band Scizor and Heatran lacking Toxic, while also being immune to Fighting-type attacks.</p>
<script type="text/javascript">
var set = new CAPSet();
set.name = "Choice Band";
set.move[1] = "Pursuit";
set.move[2] = "U-turn";
set.move[3] = "Sucker Punch";
set.move[4] = "Power Whip";
set.item = "Choice Band";
set.ability = "Infiltrator";
set.nature = "Adamant";
set.evs.HP = 252;
set.evs.Atk = 252;
set.evs.SpD = 4;
document.write(composeSet(set));
</script>
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Due to most of Malaconda's sets not relying on Leftovers for recovery, Choice Band makes for a decent surprise, as the opponent will likely not realize the nature of the set when Malaconda takes damage. This set uses Malaconda's bulk to its advantage in an offensive manner. When paired with a Choice Band, Malaconda becomes a respectable offensive presence; it is especially useful on teams that require the elimination of strong special attackers such as Latios, Latias, and Gengar. The combination of Pursuit and Sucker Punch puts the foe in a checkmate situation, and Sucker Punch is an efficient weapon which can revenge kill weakened foes regardless. However, because Sucker Punch is a rather foe-dependent move, Power Whip is especially useful due to its strong, consistent damage output. U-turn makes Malaconda a solid pivot which can gain momentum for its team.</p>
<p>In terms of ability, Infiltrator should always be used over Harvest, as if you have a Choice Band attached, you aren't going to be benefiting from a Berry anytime soon, and as pitiful such an ability as Infiltrator may be, it still has some (albeit limited) usage. For alternative moves, Malaconda can use Wild Charge in order to not be walled to no end by Skarmory, though it requires Stealth Rock support in order to 2HKO taking Leftovers recovery into account. Although this set is more offensive than the typical Malaconda set, it is recommended not to use this on a hyper offense team, but instead on a more bulky offensive team build.</p>
<p>An added benefit to using Malaconda as your bulky Pursuit trapper over the likes of Tyranitar is that it does not bring sand into play every time it enters. This means that it can be used on teams that dislike having sand around, but still struggle with Latios and Latias, such as sun teams, and would prefer a teammate that does not disrupt the team's synergy. Other than that, Malaconda still draws Fighting-types, Scizor, and Heatran like no other, so having an answer to those Pokemon is especially important. Jellicent can handle all of those Pokemon in most scenarios, making it a good partner.</p>
<script type="text/javascript">
var set = new CAPSet();
set.name = "LumRest";
set.move[1] = "Rest";
set.move[2] = "Rapid Spin";
set.move[3] = ["Power Whip", "Crunch"];
set.move[4] = "U-turn";
set.item = "Lum Berry";
set.ability = "Harvest";
set.nature = "Careful";
set.evs.HP = 252;
set.evs.Atk = 24;
set.evs.SpD = 232;
document.write(composeSet(set));
</script>
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Lum Berry Malaconda is very similar to Sitrus Berry Malaconda in the role that it plays, but has a different means of healing. By passing up a moveslot for Rest, Lum Berry Malaconda gains the ability to restore its health fully and clear any status it obtained along the course of the battle, and then to consistently offset the negative side-effect of Rest through the combination of Lum Berry and Harvest. This set does a spectacular job in serving as a defense against rain teams, and has the additional perk of fearing absolutely nothing from Politoed. No longer will you have to risk switching Malaconda into Politoed for fear of a burn, as its Lum Berry will cure any harmful status. However, the inclusion of Rest leaves only one slot available for an attacking move, so the choice between Power Whip and Crunch depends on what you want Malaconda to beat. Power Whip has generally better coverage and a higher Base Power, but Crunch allows Malaconda to beat Gengar, one of the most prevalent spinblockers, with ease.</p>
<p>For the most part, you should probably stick to the moves recommended on this set. With Rest being necessary, Malaconda doesn't have enough moveslots left to use niche moves. Recommended teammates are those that appreciate a lack of hazards, such as Volcarona and Dragonite. Once again, Jellicent makes a good partner for Malaconda due to its resistances and immunities to types that hit Malaconda super effectively.</p>
<h2>Other Options</h2>
<p>With Harvest as an ability, it is only natural to be curious as to the potential of other Berries, but other than Sitrus and Lum, none of them are really any good. That being said, you could use Starf Berry if you are feeling particularly lucky. Foul Play is a nice STAB move that Malaconda can use to take advantage of an opponent's Attack stat. Taunt can be used in order to prevent opponents from setting up against Malaconda, and is especially effective since slow Spikers such as Skarmory and Forretress often see Malaconda as an easy opportunity to execute their strategy. Heal Bell is useful for its ability to allow Malaconda to act as a cleric, and Haze gets a notable mention for eliminating all boosted stats. With Malaconda's bulk, it can also run a SubSeed set to varying degrees of success.</p>
<h2>Checks and Counters</h2>
<p>Given that it has no way to harm Steel-types in any manner, it is safe to say that most of them are counters to Malaconda. This means that Pokemon such as Heatran, Scizor, Lucario, Jirachi, and Skarmory all pose a huge threat to Malaconda. Fighting-types are also a huge thorn in its side because of their ability to hit it not only super effectively, but also often on its lower Defense stat. Conkeldurr, Toxicroak, and Keldeo all are good examples, although Keldeo must be wary of a stray Power Whip coming its way as it attempts to switch in.</p>
<p>Bulky Pokemon that use Substitute in conjunction with a boosting move are good answers to Malaconda because of its relatively weak attacking ability. Substitute + Dragon Dance Dragonite is an example of such a Pokemon. If Malaconda does not use Glare, then the list of Pokemon being able to set up on it expands greatly. Pokemon such as Dragon Dance Salamence and Swords Dance Garchomp all of a sudden have a free opportunity to set up whenever Malaconda is in play. Cloyster can OHKO with Icicle Spear Malaconda and threaten it with Shell Smash should Malaconda switch out, but it can be greatly damaged by a Power Whip. Landorus-T also deserves an honorable mention as a counter to Malaconda due to its great bulk, Intimidate, and access to U-turn.</p>
I'm going to write everything out in standard Smogon formatting then change it to CAP formatting after the QC checks since it's infinity times easier to read Smogon formatting.
<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>As the only OU-viable Pokemon with Harvest, Malaconda was destined to be used in tandem with Drought. Malaconda's high Special Defense and access to Rapid Spin make it an excellent addition to sun teams regardless; its typing and bulk ensure that it can handle troublesome threats to these teams, such as Latios and Latias, and allow it to use Rapid Spin while getting past spinblockers easily. It also makes a great pivot against most Pokemon found on offensive rain teams thanks to the presence of moves such as U-turn and Glare in its arsenal. However, make no mistake, Malaconda is not limited to being used on sun teams. It can make a valuable addition to rain teams that require a spinner, as Malaconda greatly appreciates the of weakening Fire-type moves in rain, while its typing allows it to take powerful Electric-type attacks aimed at its teammates.</p>
<p>Unfortunately for Malaconda, its typing and average offensive stats cause it to become easy prey for dangerous foes. Its two biggest counters, Scizor and Heatran, get a good amount of usage, and Malaconda has no means of retaliation against them. Its subpar Defense stat is also a cause for concern, as it greatly reduces Malaconda's tanking ability. All in all, Malaconda is an excellent utility Pokemon which can be the final piece in the puzzle for your team, but it is not a Pokemon you should build your team around.</p>
<script type="text/javascript">
var set = new CAPSet();
set.name = "Pivot";
set.move[1] = "Rapid Spin";
set.move[2] = ["Crunch", "Glare", "Pursuit"];
set.move[3] = ["Power Whip", "Glare"];
set.move[4] = "U-turn";
set.item = "Sitrus Berry";
set.ability = "Harvest";
set.nature = "Careful";
set.evs.HP = 252;
set.evs.Atk = 24;
set.evs.SpD = 232;
document.write(composeSet(set));
</script>
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While Malaconda lacks a reliable recovery move, the combination of Harvest and Sitrus Berry is the next best thing for this purpose. This passive recovery, along with Malaconda's bulk, makes it extremely hard to take down under sunlight. Rapid Spin allows Malaconda to better support the team by ridding its side of the field of entry hazards. Offensively, Crunch is the STAB move of choice as it ensures that no Ghost-type (aside from the rare Sableye) has a safe time switching in and blocking Rapid Spin, while Power Whip is fairly powerful and is a useful asset against bulkier Pokemon, such as Tyranitar and Hippowdon. U-turn plays to Malaconda's strengths, as with the move it can be used as a pivot for the purpose of bringing in other team members safely; first, Malaconda can use its bulk to switch in, and then it can U-turn on the ensuing switch, maintaining momentum for your team.</p>
<p>In terms of other move options, Glare is an acceptable choice, as it ensures that Malaconda cannot be used as setup bait, and can replace either of Malaconda's STAB attacks, depending on which one is least valuable. However, do be warned that setup sweepers that use Substitute, such as Substitute + Dragon Dance Dragonite, can use this to their advantage. As an alternate choice, Pursuit allows Malaconda to trap various Pokemon, most notably Latios and Latias.</p>
<p>The EV spread provided allows Malaconda to 2HKO Latias with Crunch, while the EVs in Special Defense mean that a Choice Specs Latios Draco Meteor will do just over 50% damage, guaranteeing that its Sitrus Berry will activate. Malaconda is best suited for sun teams, as the constant sun ensures that Harvest will work 100% of the time, and Malaconda can repay the favor by spinning away the hazards that are deadly to sun teams. In addition, it makes a great switch-in to Politoed, as it can take all of its attacks with ease, although a stray Toxic or Scald burn will be fatal. Malaconda can also be used on rain teams, as it greatly appreciates the reduction in the power of Fire-type attacks, but doing so reduces the chance of Harvest working to 50%.</p>
<p>In terms of teammates, Skarmory is an excellent choice as it can act as a physical wall courtesy of its high Defense, while also being able to provide residual damage in the form of Spikes. In turn, Malaconda can take special attacks aimed at Skarmory with relative ease. Jellicent also makes for a good partner, as it has the upper hand against Choice Band Scizor and Heatran lacking Toxic, while also being immune to Fighting-type attacks.</p>
<script type="text/javascript">
var set = new CAPSet();
set.name = "Choice Band";
set.move[1] = "Pursuit";
set.move[2] = "U-turn";
set.move[3] = "Sucker Punch";
set.move[4] = "Power Whip";
set.item = "Choice Band";
set.ability = "Infiltrator";
set.nature = "Adamant";
set.evs.HP = 252;
set.evs.Atk = 252;
set.evs.SpD = 4;
document.write(composeSet(set));
</script>
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Due to most of Malaconda's sets not relying on Leftovers for recovery, Choice Band makes for a decent surprise, as the opponent will likely not realize the nature of the set when Malaconda takes damage. This set uses Malaconda's bulk to its advantage in an offensive manner. When paired with a Choice Band, Malaconda becomes a respectable offensive presence; it is especially useful on teams that require the elimination of strong special attackers such as Latios, Latias, and Gengar. The combination of Pursuit and Sucker Punch puts the foe in a checkmate situation, and Sucker Punch is an efficient weapon which can revenge kill weakened foes regardless. However, because Sucker Punch is a rather foe-dependent move, Power Whip is especially useful due to its strong, consistent damage output. U-turn makes Malaconda a solid pivot which can gain momentum for its team.</p>
<p>In terms of ability, Infiltrator should always be used over Harvest, as if you have a Choice Band attached, you aren't going to be benefiting from a Berry anytime soon, and as pitiful such an ability as Infiltrator may be, it still has some (albeit limited) usage. For alternative moves, Malaconda can use Wild Charge in order to not be walled to no end by Skarmory, though it requires Stealth Rock support in order to 2HKO taking Leftovers recovery into account. Although this set is more offensive than the typical Malaconda set, it is recommended not to use this on a hyper offense team, but instead on a more bulky offensive team build.</p>
<p>An added benefit to using Malaconda as your bulky Pursuit trapper over the likes of Tyranitar is that it does not bring sand into play every time it enters. This means that it can be used on teams that dislike having sand around, but still struggle with Latios and Latias, such as sun teams, and would prefer a teammate that does not disrupt the team's synergy. Other than that, Malaconda still draws Fighting-types, Scizor, and Heatran like no other, so having an answer to those Pokemon is especially important. Jellicent can handle all of those Pokemon in most scenarios, making it a good partner.</p>
<script type="text/javascript">
var set = new CAPSet();
set.name = "LumRest";
set.move[1] = "Rest";
set.move[2] = "Rapid Spin";
set.move[3] = ["Power Whip", "Crunch"];
set.move[4] = "U-turn";
set.item = "Lum Berry";
set.ability = "Harvest";
set.nature = "Careful";
set.evs.HP = 252;
set.evs.Atk = 24;
set.evs.SpD = 232;
document.write(composeSet(set));
</script>
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Lum Berry Malaconda is very similar to Sitrus Berry Malaconda in the role that it plays, but has a different means of healing. By passing up a moveslot for Rest, Lum Berry Malaconda gains the ability to restore its health fully and clear any status it obtained along the course of the battle, and then to consistently offset the negative side-effect of Rest through the combination of Lum Berry and Harvest. This set does a spectacular job in serving as a defense against rain teams, and has the additional perk of fearing absolutely nothing from Politoed. No longer will you have to risk switching Malaconda into Politoed for fear of a burn, as its Lum Berry will cure any harmful status. However, the inclusion of Rest leaves only one slot available for an attacking move, so the choice between Power Whip and Crunch depends on what you want Malaconda to beat. Power Whip has generally better coverage and a higher Base Power, but Crunch allows Malaconda to beat Gengar, one of the most prevalent spinblockers, with ease.</p>
<p>For the most part, you should probably stick to the moves recommended on this set. With Rest being necessary, Malaconda doesn't have enough moveslots left to use niche moves. Recommended teammates are those that appreciate a lack of hazards, such as Volcarona and Dragonite. Once again, Jellicent makes a good partner for Malaconda due to its resistances and immunities to types that hit Malaconda super effectively.</p>
<h2>Other Options</h2>
<p>With Harvest as an ability, it is only natural to be curious as to the potential of other Berries, but other than Sitrus and Lum, none of them are really any good. That being said, you could use Starf Berry if you are feeling particularly lucky. Foul Play is a nice STAB move that Malaconda can use to take advantage of an opponent's Attack stat. Taunt can be used in order to prevent opponents from setting up against Malaconda, and is especially effective since slow Spikers such as Skarmory and Forretress often see Malaconda as an easy opportunity to execute their strategy. Heal Bell is useful for its ability to allow Malaconda to act as a cleric, and Haze gets a notable mention for eliminating all boosted stats. With Malaconda's bulk, it can also run a SubSeed set to varying degrees of success.</p>
<h2>Checks and Counters</h2>
<p>Given that it has no way to harm Steel-types in any manner, it is safe to say that most of them are counters to Malaconda. This means that Pokemon such as Heatran, Scizor, Lucario, Jirachi, and Skarmory all pose a huge threat to Malaconda. Fighting-types are also a huge thorn in its side because of their ability to hit it not only super effectively, but also often on its lower Defense stat. Conkeldurr, Toxicroak, and Keldeo all are good examples, although Keldeo must be wary of a stray Power Whip coming its way as it attempts to switch in.</p>
<p>Bulky Pokemon that use Substitute in conjunction with a boosting move are good answers to Malaconda because of its relatively weak attacking ability. Substitute + Dragon Dance Dragonite is an example of such a Pokemon. If Malaconda does not use Glare, then the list of Pokemon being able to set up on it expands greatly. Pokemon such as Dragon Dance Salamence and Swords Dance Garchomp all of a sudden have a free opportunity to set up whenever Malaconda is in play. Cloyster can OHKO with Icicle Spear Malaconda and threaten it with Shell Smash should Malaconda switch out, but it can be greatly damaged by a Power Whip. Landorus-T also deserves an honorable mention as a counter to Malaconda due to its great bulk, Intimidate, and access to U-turn.</p>
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