run endure and custap it's better because you can't get multi hit killed
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Metagame SV OU Metagame Discussion v4 [Volcarona Banned]
- Thread starter TPP
- Start date
But that takes two turns……..
do u want to give a garchomp free turns if it clicks scaleshot turn 1
this is a jest but tbh this is not wrong. high ladder is wherever the person talking hovers and up, low ladder is below where they tilt to, and mid ladder is the rest
I've been using this and its a really solid core, reached my highest peak so far this gen with it. (1768) I've been using skarmory along with it to better deal with Tusk, getting knocked is a legitimate worry and skarm is able to handle most users and doesn't mind losing helmet. Corv is probably a solid replacement depending on someone's preference.Articuno and Galarian Slowking
View attachment 599139View attachment 599140
Core Highlight - Double Bulk Pivot
Introduction
Core Highlights are a new type of OU post that I'll be making in addition to my single Pokemon essay posts and comparatively brief multi-set posts. These types of posts will highlight two to three Pokemon that function well together on the same team and will usually center around one niche mon and how it compliments one meta staple. I figured this would be a nice way to get people to look at the OU benefits of more niche mons by showcasing how they enable the most powerful or consistent Pokemon in the metagame to be even more powerful or cover their weak points. In this highlight, we'll be looking at the double special bulk pivot core of Articuno and Galarian Slowking.
The Sets
Articuno
Articuno @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Pressure
Tera Type: Fairy/Ground/Ice/Steel/Poison
EVs: 240 HP / 184 SpD / 84 Spe
Modest Nature
- U-turn
- Freeze-Dry
- Haze/Light Screen/Reflect/Roar/Tailwind/Tera Blast
- Roost
Slowking-Galar
Slowking-Galar @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Regenerator
Tera Type: Water
EVs: 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Future Sight
- Sludge Bomb
- Slack Off
- Chilly Reception
View attachment 599155
Slowking-Galar
Glowking is one of the most reliable specially bulky pivots in OU; great defensive typing, solid defenses, a fantastic ability in Regenerator, an amazing slow pivot move in Chilly Reception, reliable recovery in Slack Off, and STAB Future Sight to forces switches. Glowking, while being excellent, has notable issues with meta staples such as Gliscor, and usually has to pair with Pokemon that cripple your momentum or ability to shift into offensive threats more safely. Glowking's weaknesses to Dark, Ghost, and Ground-type attacks in particular stifle its ability to switch in against several pesky archetypes. With Articuno, this becomes far less of an issue, and the two are incredibly synergetic with one another due to their typing, movepools, and stat spreads.
View attachment 599149
Articuno
Articuno's functionality is to pair with Glowking on teams that want more efficient ways to pressure opposing threats such as Darkrai, Dragapult, Gliscor, and others. Let's jump into why these two Pokemon pair so well together with some cliff-note categories before we go into some additional specifics about how Articuno matches up against specific threats and enables your team as a whole.
Synergy Summary
Articuno/Slowking-GalarSo let's dive into the Articuno set, starting with its EV allotment - due to the Glowking Chilly Reception pairing, defense EV investment isn't needed thanks to the natural defense boost Articuno gets in Snow (with notably impressive feats like living 252 Atk Landorus-Therian's quadruple SE Stone Edge). 84 EVs invested bring Articuno up to 227 speed, allowing it to hit benchmarks like outpacing neutral nature 0 EV speed Gliscor, Gouging Fire, Great Tusk, Landorus-T, Raging Bolt, and Rillaboom along with 56 EV Archaludon and Jolly 252 EV Kingambit. HP EVs are set to 240 while the remaining 184 EVs are dumped into special defense to further enhance Articuno's natural bulk and hit specific benchmarks such as only being 3HKO'd by Modest Archaludon 252 SpA's Draco Meteor and avoiding the OHKO from +1 Modest Archaludon's Electro Shot. Speaking of which, a modest nature on Articuno is required due to its ability to retain the 2HKO on the most common Tera Water Gliscor variants with Freeze-Dry and some others, but Articuno doesn't mind losing out on a Calm nature due to naturally stupendous special bulk. Heavy-Duty Boots is a requirement on Articuno due to its 4x Stealth Rock weakness, and that benefit alone outweighs any potential benefit to other item picks such as the passive recovery of Leftovers.
Stats - Articuno's bulk on both the physical and special sides is notably higher than Glowking's (Articuno packs a solid 90/100/125 while Glowking packs 95/80/110), allowing Articuno more flexibility in EV distribution and nature allocation to reach offensive and speed benchmarks so it can leverage its much higher stat spread effectively.
Articuno's required three moves on this set are Roost, U-turn, and Freeze-Dry. Roost is necessary for Articuno to have reliable recovery and can have some niche defensive benefits such as losing its Electric-type weakness while additionally softening its quadruple Rock-type weakness and gaining a temporary Ice-type resistance. U-turn is necessary for pivoting and can actually chunk some of the more physically frail threats like Darkrai, Deoxys-Speed, Meowscarada, and Weavile even with the -Atk nature thanks to Articuno's base 85 attack. Freeze-Dry is Articuno's STAB of choice due to its ability to threaten Tera Water Gliscor along with Physical Dondozo, Dragapult, Dragonite, Enamorus, Great Tusk, Landorus-T, Meowscarada, Ogerpon-Wellspring, Pelipper, Raging Bolt, Rillaboom, Roaring Moon, Samurott-Hisui, Serperior, and Walking Wake. Let's take a quick look at both Offensive and Defensive calculations for Articuno before we wrap things up by looking at Articuno's fourth moveslot and terastallization options. Articuno can both dish out and take a surprisingly high amount of damage to and from some of the metagame's strongest threats.
Offensive
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Dondozo: 224-266 (44.4 - 52.7%) -- 25% chance to 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Dragapult: 200-236 (63 - 74.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Multiscale Dragonite: 158-188 (48.9 - 58.2%) -- 97.3% chance to 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Enamorus: 192-228 (66.4 - 78.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 244 HP / 16 SpD Gliscor: 396-468 (112.5 - 132.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 244 HP / 16 SpD Tera Water Gliscor: 198-234 (56.2 - 66.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Poison Heal
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Great Tusk: 264-312 (71.1 - 84%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Great Tusk: 264-312 (60.8 - 71.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Iron Valiant: 120-142 (41.3 - 48.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Landorus-Therian: 424-504 (132.9 - 157.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-Therian: 384-456 (100.5 - 119.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Meowscarada: 212-252 (72.3 - 86%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Ogerpon-Wellspring: 328-388 (108.9 - 128.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Pelipper: 420-496 (130 - 153.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 64 HP / 0 SpD Raging Bolt: 176-210 (43.2 - 51.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Rillaboom: 212-252 (62.1 - 73.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Roaring Moon: 158-188 (45 - 53.5%) -- 33.2% chance to 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Samurott-Hisui: 224-266 (69.7 - 82.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Serperior: 168-198 (57.7 - 68%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Skarmory: 106-126 (31.7 - 37.7%) -- 90% chance to 3HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 12 HP / 0 SpD Walking Wake: 372-444 (108.7 - 129.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Darkrai: 88-104 (31.3 - 37%) -- 68.9% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Deoxys-Speed: 88-104 (36.5 - 43.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Iron Boulder: 96-114 (29.9 - 35.5%) -- 22.6% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Meowscarada: 212-252 (72.3 - 86%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Ogerpon-Wellspring: 92-110 (30.5 - 36.5%) -- 55.3% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Rillaboom: 88-104 (25.8 - 30.4%) -- 0.9% chance to 4HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Roaring Moon: 106-126 (30.1 - 35.8%) -- 34.9% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Samurott-Hisui: 96-114 (29.9 - 35.5%) -- 22.6% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Serperior: 82-98 (28.1 - 33.6%) -- 94.4% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Weavile: 112-134 (39.8 - 47.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
Defensive
0 Def Archaludon Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 49-58 (12.8 - 15.2%) -- possible 7HKO
+2 0 Def Archaludon Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 96-114 (25.1 - 29.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
32 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 204-240 (53.5 - 62.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 242-288 (63.5 - 75.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
136+ Def Corviknight Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 51-60 (13.3 - 15.7%) -- possible 7HKO
+2 136+ Def Corviknight Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 100-118 (26.2 - 30.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
40 Atk Life Orb Deoxys-Speed Superpower vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 75-90 (19.6 - 23.6%) -- possible 5HKO
0 Atk Dondozo Liquidation vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 61-73 (16 - 19.1%) -- possible 6HKO
252+ Def Dondozo Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 59-70 (15.4 - 18.3%) -- possible 6HKO
76 Atk Dragapult Dragon Darts (2 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 92-110 (24.1 - 28.8%) -- approx. 98.2% chance to 4HKO
252+ Atk Dragonite Extreme Speed vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 66-78 (17.3 - 20.4%) -- possible 5HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Extreme Speed vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 98-116 (25.7 - 30.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252+ Atk Dragonite Fire Punch vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 124-146 (32.5 - 38.3%) -- 96.6% chance to 3HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Fire Punch vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 184-218 (48.2 - 57.2%) -- 91.4% chance to 2HKO
252 Atk Excadrill Iron Head vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 182-216 (47.7 - 56.6%) -- 82% chance to 2HKO
+2 0 Atk Gliscor Facade (140 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 129-152 (33.8 - 39.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Gouging Fire Flare Blitz vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 264-312 (69.2 - 81.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
4 Atk Great Tusk Close Combat vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 109-130 (28.6 - 34.1%) -- 2.2% chance to 3HKO
4 Atk Great Tusk Ice Spinner vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 49-58 (12.8 - 15.2%) -- possible 7HKO
252 Atk Great Tusk Temper Flare vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 112-132 (29.3 - 34.6%) -- 6% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Great Tusk Ice Spinner vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 59-70 (15.4 - 18.3%) -- possible 6HKO
0 SpA Hatterene Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 76-90 (19.9 - 23.6%) -- possible 5HKO
+1 0 SpA Hatterene Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 112-133 (29.3 - 34.9%) -- 12.5% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Iron Boulder Close Combat vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 83-98 (21.7 - 25.7%) -- 2.1% chance to 4HKO
+2 252 Atk Quark Drive Iron Boulder Close Combat vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 214-252 (56.1 - 66.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Iron Valiant Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 56-66 (14.6 - 17.3%) -- possible 6HKO
+1 252 SpA Iron Valiant Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 83-98 (21.7 - 25.7%) -- 2.1% chance to 4HKO
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 5 allies fainted Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 157-186 (41.2 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 5 allies fainted Kingambit Iron Head vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 296-350 (77.6 - 91.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 5 allies fainted Kingambit Sucker Punch vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 129-153 (33.8 - 40.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Kyurem Scale Shot (4 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 112-136 (29.3 - 35.6%) -- approx. 20.8% chance to 3HKO
+1 252 Atk Kyurem Scale Shot (4 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 168-196 (44 - 51.4%) -- approx. 6.3% chance to 2HKO
252 Atk Landorus-Therian Stone Edge vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 316-376 (82.9 - 98.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Meowscarada Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 94-112 (24.6 - 29.3%) -- 100% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Protean Meowscarada Triple Axel (40 BP) (3 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 120-144 (31.4 - 37.7%) -- approx. 82.9% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Wellspring Mask Ogerpon-Wellspring Ivy Cudgel vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 124-147 (32.5 - 38.5%) -- 98.7% chance to 3HKO
+2 252 Atk Wellspring Mask Ogerpon-Wellspring Ivy Cudgel vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 247-292 (64.8 - 76.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Rillaboom Wood Hammer vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno: 135-160 (35.4 - 41.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 144-171 (37.7 - 44.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Protosynthesis Tera Flying Roaring Moon Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 163-193 (42.7 - 50.6%) -- 2% chance to 2HKO
+1 252 Atk Protosynthesis Tera Flying Roaring Moon Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 217-256 (56.9 - 67.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252 Atk Protosynthesis Tera Flying Roaring Moon Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 246-289 (64.5 - 75.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Ceaseless Edge vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 93-111 (24.4 - 29.1%) -- 99.6% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Razor Shell vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 108-127 (28.3 - 33.3%) -- 0% chance to 3HKO
160+ Def Skarmory Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 64-76 (16.7 - 19.9%) -- guaranteed 6HKO
+2 160+ Def Skarmory Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 127-150 (33.3 - 39.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Weavile Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 102-120 (26.7 - 31.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 Atk Weavile Triple Axel (40 BP) (3 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 126-153 (33 - 40.1%) -- approx. 100% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Zamazenta Close Combat vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 124-147 (32.5 - 38.5%) -- 98.7% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Zamazenta Heavy Slam (80 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 112-132 (29.3 - 34.6%) -- 6% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Zamazenta Stone Edge vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 276-328 (72.4 - 86%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 88 Def Zamazenta Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 106-126 (27.8 - 33%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
+3 88 Def Zamazenta Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 175-207 (45.9 - 54.3%) -- 51.6% chance to 2HKO252+ SpA Archaludon Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 160-190 (41.9 - 49.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ SpA Archaludon Flash Cannon vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 200-236 (52.4 - 61.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 SpA Clefable Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 70-84 (18.3 - 22%) -- possible 5HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Darkrai Dark Pulse vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 125-148 (32.8 - 38.8%) -- 99.3% chance to 3HKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Darkrai Dark Pulse vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 250-294 (65.6 - 77.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Speed Psycho Boost vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 172-203 (45.1 - 53.2%) -- 25.8% chance to 2HKO
180 SpA Dragapult Hex (130 BP) vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 118-141 (30.9 - 37%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after burn damage
252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 189-223 (49.6 - 58.5%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Flamethrower vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 176-208 (46.1 - 54.5%) -- 53.1% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Shadow Ball vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 117-138 (30.7 - 36.2%) -- 48.9% chance to 3HKO
252 SpA Enamorus Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 114-135 (29.9 - 35.4%) -- 22.9% chance to 3HKO
252 SpA Tera Stellar Enamorus Tera Blast (100 BP) vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 96-114 (25.1 - 29.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Enamorus Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 169-201 (44.3 - 52.7%) -- 21.5% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Enamorus Mystical Fire vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 180-212 (47.2 - 55.6%) -- 74.2% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Tera Stellar Enamorus Tera Blast (100 BP) vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 143-169 (37.5 - 44.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Gholdengo Shadow Ball vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 79-94 (20.7 - 24.6%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
0 SpA Gholdengo Make It Rain vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 236-278 (61.9 - 72.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Gholdengo Shadow Ball vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 94-112 (24.6 - 29.3%) -- 100% chance to 4HKO
252 SpA Gholdengo Make It Rain vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 284-336 (74.5 - 88.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 SpA Hatterene Mystical Fire vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 102-120 (26.7 - 31.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
+1 0 SpA Hatterene Mystical Fire vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 150-178 (39.3 - 46.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Heatran Magma Storm vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 192-228 (50.3 - 59.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after trapping damage
252 SpA Heatran Magma Storm vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 234-276 (61.4 - 72.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after trapping damage
252 SpA Iron Valiant Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 105-124 (27.5 - 32.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
+1 252 SpA Iron Valiant Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 157-186 (41.2 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Kyurem Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 153-180 (40.1 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Kyurem Ice Beam vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 105-124 (27.5 - 32.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Kyurem Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 226-267 (59.3 - 70%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Kyurem Ice Beam vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 157-186 (41.2 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Pelipper Hurricane vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 81-96 (21.2 - 25.1%) -- 0% chance to 4HKO
0 SpA Pelipper Surf vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno in Rain: 100-118 (26.2 - 30.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252+ SpA Raging Bolt Dragon Pulse vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 114-135 (29.9 - 35.4%) -- 22.9% chance to 3HKO
252+ SpA Raging Bolt Thunderclap vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 186-222 (48.8 - 58.2%) -- 95.3% chance to 2HKO
252+ SpA Raging Bolt Thunderbolt vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 240-284 (62.9 - 74.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 SpA Skeledirge Torch Song vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 134-158 (35.1 - 41.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Skeledirge Hex (130 BP) vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 109-129 (28.6 - 33.8%) -- 97.7% chance to 3HKO after burn damage
0 SpA Slowking-Galar Future Sight vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 100-118 (26.2 - 30.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
8 SpA Torkoal Lava Plume vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno in Sun: 168-198 (44 - 51.9%) -- 9.4% chance to 2HKO
0 SpA Volcarona Fiery Dance vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 158-188 (41.4 - 49.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
244 SpA Choice Specs Walking Wake Dragon Pulse vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 144-169 (37.7 - 44.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
244 SpA Choice Specs Walking Wake Flamethrower vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 204-240 (53.5 - 62.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
244 SpA Choice Specs Walking Wake Hydro Steam vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 135-160 (35.4 - 41.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
244 SpA Choice Specs Walking Wake Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 220-259 (57.7 - 67.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Fourth Moveslot Options + Tera Type
My recommendation for Articuno would be to use Tera Blast with Tera Ground as your fourth moveslot option, as this allows you to turn the tables on Rain Archaludon by baiting Electro Shot, in addition to other potent threats such as Gholdengo, Glimmora, Heatran, Iron Boulder, Kingambit, Raging Bolt, and others. Tera Ground gives Articuno a critical newfound immunity and resistance to Electric and Rock-type attacks respectively along with removing Articuno's weaknesses to Steel and Fire-type attacks, and Tera Blast Ground's coverage compliments Freeze-Dry extensively well. Let's take a look at some additional calculations to see exactly what Articuno's Tera Blast Ground can muscle past.
Tera Blast Ground
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 200 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Archaludon: 170-204 (45.8 - 54.9%) -- 53.5% chance to 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 248 HP / 204+ SpD Archaludon: 182-216 (47.5 - 56.3%) -- 25.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Cinderace: 230-272 (76.4 - 90.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 224 HP / 0 SpD Cinderace: 230-272 (64.4 - 76.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Excadrill: 258-306 (71.4 - 84.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Gholdengo: 198-234 (62.8 - 74.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Gholdengo: 198-234 (52.3 - 61.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Glimmora: 436-516 (142 - 168%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Gouging Fire: 194-230 (55.2 - 65.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Heatran: 340-408 (105.2 - 126.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 212+ SpD Heatran: 264-312 (68.3 - 80.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Iron Boulder: 168-200 (52.3 - 62.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 32 HP / 0 SpD Iron Crown: 170-204 (51.6 - 62%) -- 96.9% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Kingambit: 206-246 (60.4 - 72.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 212 HP / 0 SpD Kingambit: 206-246 (52.2 - 62.4%) -- 98.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Pecharunt: 204-240 (64.3 - 75.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Pecharunt: 204-240 (53.6 - 63.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 64 HP / 0 SpD Raging Bolt: 200-236 (49.1 - 57.9%) -- 57.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 248 HP / 132+ SpD Skeledirge: 180-212 (43.7 - 51.5%) -- 7.4% chance to 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 240+ SpD Slowking-Galar: 126-150 (31.9 - 38%) -- 94.4% chance to 3HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Torkoal: 242-288 (70.5 - 83.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 64 SpD Toxapex: 128-152 (42.1 - 50%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
As for Articuno's other movepool options, the majority of them are courtesy of its bountiful utility options. Haze is a niche but useful tool for resetting boosts, while Reflect or Light Screen can be critical for your team in a pinch defensively. Roar is a neat tech for phasing, while access to Tailwind can allow your team's slower and bulkier threats to blitz past important speed benchmarks including opposing pesky Booster Energy sweepers. As for Tera-type choices, I still recommend Tera Ground for the Electric-type immunity and Rock-type resistance, but Tera Fairy provides a critical Dragon-type immunity along with a neat resistance to both Dark and Fighting-type attacks that synergizes well with Glowking. Tera Ice boosts up the power of Freeze-Dry while also getting rid of Articuno's Electric-type weakness, softening its Rock-type weakness, and giving Articuno a niche but situationally good Ice-type resistance. Tera Poison and Steel can both be helpful against stall teams and allows Articuno to avoid being hit by Toxic.
View attachment 599190
Conclusion
Slowking-Galar is one of the best Pokemon in the OU meta, and anything that can help it both pivot while taking advantage of its numerous fantastic qualities will always have a place in OU. Articuno is one of those Pokemon and the two pair together like peanut butter and jelly. If you're looking for a strong defensive core with great synergy that most teams likely won't be prepared for, consider giving the Articuno/Glowking duo a try. It can fit onto multiple archetypes and I promise you won't be disappointed with how these two complement each other along with the rest of your team.
Patience is key with this core I've learned , it's better to play safe than make offensive doubles as you have enough pivot power with just these two. Opposing glowking are really annoying and you'll want something to either remove it's boots or just deal a lot of damage. Gliscor is a little worrying but with skarm you can scout it out a bit and then figure out how to deal with it.
All around good stuff.
Arceus Electric, Oricorio-Pom-Pom, Toxel, and Tynamo also don’t learn Volt Switch.
Alternate forms don't count :P
I can't agree with this. People at the top of the ladder past 2000 don't tilt to 1500. They let themselves decay to 1500. Using your definition, someone at 1100s could be high ladder when they're actually close to the very bottom of the ladder.
To be on topic, I just hope Kyurem is banned since it is so restrictive in the builder.
im just saying that this is what people say, im not saying its the 'truth' (i think the 'truth' doesnt exist).
i think there was some ladder challenge with it so there's a decent shot of ttar at the very least having at least like 3% usage
anyway, i would bet actual money on barraskewda rising, and possibly also iron treads because that seems to be what people are using on rain instead of tusk. hydrapple might rise too; it barely missed the cutoff last month and it's on a sample team now. atales, which also barely missed the cutoff, is also a distinct possibility for its synergy with kyurem and ability to disrupt sun and rain
drops-wise, pex is gone, the last time that thing was worth using was november 17, 2022. i would say pecharunt's probably also a safe bet since it's just kinda… not good. a bit of a riskier guess, but primarina might drop—i think it's good in the tier, it matches up well into a lot of the top stuff, but i just don't think people are using it that much. i also have no idea what iron crown even does and will continue to predict it dropping until i find out. lastly, amoonguss will be promoted to honorary ou just so we can see it drop one last time
damn, accurate
my personal indicator for what is and isn't high ladder (in most metas) is "how are the usage stats divided on the stats page". so for ou i consider 1500 and below to be low ladder, 1825 and above to be high ladder, and everything in between to be mid ladder (below 1695 is low-mid, above 1695 is high-mid). of course, this doesn't work for every tier. some tiers have ladders so barren that the 1100s is a miracle. and then there's randbats, which is so elo-inflated that the top elo on the ou ladder right now doesn't even break top 500 there
I’m assuming you are asking the other person because I’m running -Spe natures. But then again, I am guilty for running Iron Valiant on TR so I’m gonna address it. In previous generations, Ferrothorn is a thing, and Toxapex/Slowbro are much more common on balance so there is a need to underspeed them. In current gen, you only need to run low enough on Kingambit to underspeed opposing Kingambit, so anything that can reach under 218 or 199 is fair game. There’s not really any point going lower since you can play without TR when up against slower stall cores anyway.
Ursaluna imo runs into the problem where once TR ends, it’s very easy to be put in a position where the opponent can deny you a smooth switch into Hatterene when matched up against other types of HO. It’s great and definitely one of the better abusers, but it would feel much better in slower formats imo.
The nature's I didn't select, so that was an oops on my part, but imma just go with your reasoning lmao. As for ursaluna, while it is great on TR, it crucially has to spend a turn waiting for the flame orb to activate, which is not great due to limited turns. At least my hydrapple has the bulk to survive many hits alongside regenerator. Ursaluna gets chipped down very quickly, which again isn't the best.
Just wanted to add a quick optimization note here, natures are +10% of a stat, so you get the most points by having your nature be the highest stat on your Pokemon, especially when running mixed EVs. By swapping your nature from Modest to Calm and putting some of the SpDef EVs into SpAtk to return it to the original benchmark, you just get free SpDef.Articuno and Galarian Slowking
View attachment 599139View attachment 599140
Core Highlight - Double Bulk Pivot
Introduction
Core Highlights are a new type of OU post that I'll be making in addition to my single Pokemon essay posts and comparatively brief multi-set posts. These types of posts will highlight two to three Pokemon that function well together on the same team and will usually center around one niche mon and how it compliments one meta staple. I figured this would be a nice way to get people to look at the OU benefits of more niche mons by showcasing how they enable the most powerful or consistent Pokemon in the metagame to be even more powerful or cover their weak points. In this highlight, we'll be looking at the double special bulk pivot core of Articuno and Galarian Slowking.
The Sets
Articuno
Articuno @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Pressure
Tera Type: Fairy/Ground/Ice/Steel/Poison
EVs: 240 HP / 184 SpD / 84 Spe
Modest Nature
- U-turn
- Freeze-Dry
- Haze/Light Screen/Reflect/Roar/Tailwind/Tera Blast
- Roost
Slowking-Galar
Slowking-Galar @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Regenerator
Tera Type: Water
EVs: 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Future Sight
- Sludge Bomb
- Slack Off
- Chilly Reception
View attachment 599155
Slowking-Galar
Glowking is one of the most reliable specially bulky pivots in OU; great defensive typing, solid defenses, a fantastic ability in Regenerator, an amazing slow pivot move in Chilly Reception, reliable recovery in Slack Off, and STAB Future Sight to forces switches. Glowking, while being excellent, has notable issues with meta staples such as Gliscor, and usually has to pair with Pokemon that cripple your momentum or ability to shift into offensive threats more safely. Glowking's weaknesses to Dark, Ghost, and Ground-type attacks in particular stifle its ability to switch in against several pesky archetypes. With Articuno, this becomes far less of an issue, and the two are incredibly synergetic with one another due to their typing, movepools, and stat spreads.
View attachment 599149
Articuno
Articuno's functionality is to pair with Glowking on teams that want more efficient ways to pressure opposing threats such as Darkrai, Dragapult, Gliscor, and others. Let's jump into why these two Pokemon pair so well together with some cliff-note categories before we go into some additional specifics about how Articuno matches up against specific threats and enables your team as a whole.
Synergy Summary
Articuno/Slowking-GalarSo let's dive into the Articuno set, starting with its EV allotment - due to the Glowking Chilly Reception pairing, defense EV investment isn't needed thanks to the natural defense boost Articuno gets in Snow (with notably impressive feats like living 252 Atk Landorus-Therian's quadruple SE Stone Edge). 84 EVs invested bring Articuno up to 227 speed, allowing it to hit benchmarks like outpacing neutral nature 0 EV speed Gliscor, Gouging Fire, Great Tusk, Landorus-T, Raging Bolt, and Rillaboom along with 56 EV Archaludon and Jolly 252 EV Kingambit. HP EVs are set to 240 while the remaining 184 EVs are dumped into special defense to further enhance Articuno's natural bulk and hit specific benchmarks such as only being 3HKO'd by Modest Archaludon 252 SpA's Draco Meteor and avoiding the OHKO from +1 Modest Archaludon's Electro Shot. Speaking of which, a modest nature on Articuno is required due to its ability to retain the 2HKO on the most common Tera Water Gliscor variants with Freeze-Dry and some others, but Articuno doesn't mind losing out on a Calm nature due to naturally stupendous special bulk. Heavy-Duty Boots is a requirement on Articuno due to its 4x Stealth Rock weakness, and that benefit alone outweighs any potential benefit to other item picks such as the passive recovery of Leftovers.
Articuno's required three moves on this set are Roost, U-turn, and Freeze-Dry. Roost is necessary for Articuno to have reliable recovery and can have some niche defensive benefits such as losing its Electric-type weakness while additionally softening its quadruple Rock-type weakness and gaining a temporary Ice-type resistance. U-turn is necessary for pivoting and can actually chunk some of the more physically frail threats like Darkrai, Deoxys-Speed, Meowscarada, and Weavile even with the -Atk nature thanks to Articuno's base 85 attack. Freeze-Dry is Articuno's STAB of choice due to its ability to threaten Tera Water Gliscor along with Physical Dondozo, Dragapult, Dragonite, Enamorus, Great Tusk, Landorus-T, Meowscarada, Ogerpon-Wellspring, Pelipper, Raging Bolt, Rillaboom, Roaring Moon, Samurott-Hisui, Serperior, and Walking Wake. Let's take a quick look at both Offensive and Defensive calculations for Articuno before we wrap things up by looking at Articuno's fourth moveslot and terastallization options. Articuno can both dish out and take a surprisingly high amount of damage to and from some of the metagame's strongest threats.
Offensive
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Dondozo: 224-266 (44.4 - 52.7%) -- 25% chance to 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Dragapult: 200-236 (63 - 74.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Multiscale Dragonite: 158-188 (48.9 - 58.2%) -- 97.3% chance to 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Enamorus: 192-228 (66.4 - 78.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 244 HP / 16 SpD Gliscor: 396-468 (112.5 - 132.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 244 HP / 16 SpD Tera Water Gliscor: 198-234 (56.2 - 66.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Poison Heal
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Great Tusk: 264-312 (71.1 - 84%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Great Tusk: 264-312 (60.8 - 71.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Iron Valiant: 120-142 (41.3 - 48.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Landorus-Therian: 424-504 (132.9 - 157.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-Therian: 384-456 (100.5 - 119.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Meowscarada: 212-252 (72.3 - 86%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Ogerpon-Wellspring: 328-388 (108.9 - 128.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Pelipper: 420-496 (130 - 153.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 64 HP / 0 SpD Raging Bolt: 176-210 (43.2 - 51.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Rillaboom: 212-252 (62.1 - 73.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Roaring Moon: 158-188 (45 - 53.5%) -- 33.2% chance to 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Samurott-Hisui: 224-266 (69.7 - 82.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Serperior: 168-198 (57.7 - 68%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Skarmory: 106-126 (31.7 - 37.7%) -- 90% chance to 3HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 12 HP / 0 SpD Walking Wake: 372-444 (108.7 - 129.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Darkrai: 88-104 (31.3 - 37%) -- 68.9% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Deoxys-Speed: 88-104 (36.5 - 43.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Iron Boulder: 96-114 (29.9 - 35.5%) -- 22.6% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Meowscarada: 212-252 (72.3 - 86%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Ogerpon-Wellspring: 92-110 (30.5 - 36.5%) -- 55.3% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Rillaboom: 88-104 (25.8 - 30.4%) -- 0.9% chance to 4HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Roaring Moon: 106-126 (30.1 - 35.8%) -- 34.9% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Samurott-Hisui: 96-114 (29.9 - 35.5%) -- 22.6% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Serperior: 82-98 (28.1 - 33.6%) -- 94.4% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Weavile: 112-134 (39.8 - 47.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
Defensive
0 Def Archaludon Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 49-58 (12.8 - 15.2%) -- possible 7HKO
+2 0 Def Archaludon Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 96-114 (25.1 - 29.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
32 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 204-240 (53.5 - 62.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 242-288 (63.5 - 75.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
136+ Def Corviknight Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 51-60 (13.3 - 15.7%) -- possible 7HKO
+2 136+ Def Corviknight Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 100-118 (26.2 - 30.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
40 Atk Life Orb Deoxys-Speed Superpower vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 75-90 (19.6 - 23.6%) -- possible 5HKO
0 Atk Dondozo Liquidation vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 61-73 (16 - 19.1%) -- possible 6HKO
252+ Def Dondozo Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 59-70 (15.4 - 18.3%) -- possible 6HKO
76 Atk Dragapult Dragon Darts (2 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 92-110 (24.1 - 28.8%) -- approx. 98.2% chance to 4HKO
252+ Atk Dragonite Extreme Speed vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 66-78 (17.3 - 20.4%) -- possible 5HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Extreme Speed vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 98-116 (25.7 - 30.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252+ Atk Dragonite Fire Punch vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 124-146 (32.5 - 38.3%) -- 96.6% chance to 3HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Fire Punch vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 184-218 (48.2 - 57.2%) -- 91.4% chance to 2HKO
252 Atk Excadrill Iron Head vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 182-216 (47.7 - 56.6%) -- 82% chance to 2HKO
+2 0 Atk Gliscor Facade (140 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 129-152 (33.8 - 39.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Gouging Fire Flare Blitz vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 264-312 (69.2 - 81.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
4 Atk Great Tusk Close Combat vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 109-130 (28.6 - 34.1%) -- 2.2% chance to 3HKO
4 Atk Great Tusk Ice Spinner vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 49-58 (12.8 - 15.2%) -- possible 7HKO
252 Atk Great Tusk Temper Flare vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 112-132 (29.3 - 34.6%) -- 6% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Great Tusk Ice Spinner vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 59-70 (15.4 - 18.3%) -- possible 6HKO
0 SpA Hatterene Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 76-90 (19.9 - 23.6%) -- possible 5HKO
+1 0 SpA Hatterene Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 112-133 (29.3 - 34.9%) -- 12.5% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Iron Boulder Close Combat vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 83-98 (21.7 - 25.7%) -- 2.1% chance to 4HKO
+2 252 Atk Quark Drive Iron Boulder Close Combat vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 214-252 (56.1 - 66.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Iron Valiant Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 56-66 (14.6 - 17.3%) -- possible 6HKO
+1 252 SpA Iron Valiant Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 83-98 (21.7 - 25.7%) -- 2.1% chance to 4HKO
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 5 allies fainted Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 157-186 (41.2 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 5 allies fainted Kingambit Iron Head vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 296-350 (77.6 - 91.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 5 allies fainted Kingambit Sucker Punch vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 129-153 (33.8 - 40.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Kyurem Scale Shot (4 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 112-136 (29.3 - 35.6%) -- approx. 20.8% chance to 3HKO
+1 252 Atk Kyurem Scale Shot (4 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 168-196 (44 - 51.4%) -- approx. 6.3% chance to 2HKO
252 Atk Landorus-Therian Stone Edge vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 316-376 (82.9 - 98.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Meowscarada Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 94-112 (24.6 - 29.3%) -- 100% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Protean Meowscarada Triple Axel (40 BP) (3 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 120-144 (31.4 - 37.7%) -- approx. 82.9% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Wellspring Mask Ogerpon-Wellspring Ivy Cudgel vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 124-147 (32.5 - 38.5%) -- 98.7% chance to 3HKO
+2 252 Atk Wellspring Mask Ogerpon-Wellspring Ivy Cudgel vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 247-292 (64.8 - 76.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Rillaboom Wood Hammer vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno: 135-160 (35.4 - 41.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 144-171 (37.7 - 44.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Protosynthesis Tera Flying Roaring Moon Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 163-193 (42.7 - 50.6%) -- 2% chance to 2HKO
+1 252 Atk Protosynthesis Tera Flying Roaring Moon Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 217-256 (56.9 - 67.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252 Atk Protosynthesis Tera Flying Roaring Moon Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 246-289 (64.5 - 75.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Ceaseless Edge vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 93-111 (24.4 - 29.1%) -- 99.6% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Razor Shell vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 108-127 (28.3 - 33.3%) -- 0% chance to 3HKO
160+ Def Skarmory Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 64-76 (16.7 - 19.9%) -- guaranteed 6HKO
+2 160+ Def Skarmory Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 127-150 (33.3 - 39.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Weavile Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 102-120 (26.7 - 31.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 Atk Weavile Triple Axel (40 BP) (3 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 126-153 (33 - 40.1%) -- approx. 100% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Zamazenta Close Combat vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 124-147 (32.5 - 38.5%) -- 98.7% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Zamazenta Heavy Slam (80 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 112-132 (29.3 - 34.6%) -- 6% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Zamazenta Stone Edge vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 276-328 (72.4 - 86%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 88 Def Zamazenta Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 106-126 (27.8 - 33%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
+3 88 Def Zamazenta Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 175-207 (45.9 - 54.3%) -- 51.6% chance to 2HKO252+ SpA Archaludon Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 160-190 (41.9 - 49.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ SpA Archaludon Flash Cannon vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 200-236 (52.4 - 61.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 SpA Clefable Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 70-84 (18.3 - 22%) -- possible 5HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Darkrai Dark Pulse vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 125-148 (32.8 - 38.8%) -- 99.3% chance to 3HKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Darkrai Dark Pulse vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 250-294 (65.6 - 77.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Speed Psycho Boost vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 172-203 (45.1 - 53.2%) -- 25.8% chance to 2HKO
180 SpA Dragapult Hex (130 BP) vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 118-141 (30.9 - 37%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after burn damage
252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 189-223 (49.6 - 58.5%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Flamethrower vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 176-208 (46.1 - 54.5%) -- 53.1% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Shadow Ball vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 117-138 (30.7 - 36.2%) -- 48.9% chance to 3HKO
252 SpA Enamorus Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 114-135 (29.9 - 35.4%) -- 22.9% chance to 3HKO
252 SpA Tera Stellar Enamorus Tera Blast (100 BP) vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 96-114 (25.1 - 29.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Enamorus Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 169-201 (44.3 - 52.7%) -- 21.5% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Enamorus Mystical Fire vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 180-212 (47.2 - 55.6%) -- 74.2% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Tera Stellar Enamorus Tera Blast (100 BP) vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 143-169 (37.5 - 44.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Gholdengo Shadow Ball vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 79-94 (20.7 - 24.6%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
0 SpA Gholdengo Make It Rain vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 236-278 (61.9 - 72.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Gholdengo Shadow Ball vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 94-112 (24.6 - 29.3%) -- 100% chance to 4HKO
252 SpA Gholdengo Make It Rain vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 284-336 (74.5 - 88.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 SpA Hatterene Mystical Fire vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 102-120 (26.7 - 31.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
+1 0 SpA Hatterene Mystical Fire vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 150-178 (39.3 - 46.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Heatran Magma Storm vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 192-228 (50.3 - 59.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after trapping damage
252 SpA Heatran Magma Storm vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 234-276 (61.4 - 72.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after trapping damage
252 SpA Iron Valiant Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 105-124 (27.5 - 32.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
+1 252 SpA Iron Valiant Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 157-186 (41.2 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Kyurem Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 153-180 (40.1 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Kyurem Ice Beam vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 105-124 (27.5 - 32.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Kyurem Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 226-267 (59.3 - 70%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Kyurem Ice Beam vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 157-186 (41.2 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Pelipper Hurricane vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 81-96 (21.2 - 25.1%) -- 0% chance to 4HKO
0 SpA Pelipper Surf vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno in Rain: 100-118 (26.2 - 30.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252+ SpA Raging Bolt Dragon Pulse vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 114-135 (29.9 - 35.4%) -- 22.9% chance to 3HKO
252+ SpA Raging Bolt Thunderclap vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 186-222 (48.8 - 58.2%) -- 95.3% chance to 2HKO
252+ SpA Raging Bolt Thunderbolt vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 240-284 (62.9 - 74.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 SpA Skeledirge Torch Song vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 134-158 (35.1 - 41.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Skeledirge Hex (130 BP) vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 109-129 (28.6 - 33.8%) -- 97.7% chance to 3HKO after burn damage
0 SpA Slowking-Galar Future Sight vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 100-118 (26.2 - 30.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
8 SpA Torkoal Lava Plume vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno in Sun: 168-198 (44 - 51.9%) -- 9.4% chance to 2HKO
0 SpA Volcarona Fiery Dance vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 158-188 (41.4 - 49.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
244 SpA Choice Specs Walking Wake Dragon Pulse vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 144-169 (37.7 - 44.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
244 SpA Choice Specs Walking Wake Flamethrower vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 204-240 (53.5 - 62.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
244 SpA Choice Specs Walking Wake Hydro Steam vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 135-160 (35.4 - 41.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
244 SpA Choice Specs Walking Wake Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 220-259 (57.7 - 67.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Fourth Moveslot Options + Tera Type
My recommendation for Articuno would be to use Tera Blast with Tera Ground as your fourth moveslot option, as this allows you to turn the tables on Rain Archaludon by baiting Electro Shot, in addition to other potent threats such as Gholdengo, Glimmora, Heatran, Iron Boulder, Kingambit, Raging Bolt, and others. Tera Ground gives Articuno a critical newfound immunity and resistance to Electric and Rock-type attacks respectively along with removing Articuno's weaknesses to Steel and Fire-type attacks, and Tera Blast Ground's coverage compliments Freeze-Dry extensively well. Let's take a look at some additional calculations to see exactly what Articuno's Tera Blast Ground can muscle past.
Tera Blast Ground
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 200 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Archaludon: 170-204 (45.8 - 54.9%) -- 53.5% chance to 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 248 HP / 204+ SpD Archaludon: 182-216 (47.5 - 56.3%) -- 25.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Cinderace: 230-272 (76.4 - 90.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 224 HP / 0 SpD Cinderace: 230-272 (64.4 - 76.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Excadrill: 258-306 (71.4 - 84.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Gholdengo: 198-234 (62.8 - 74.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Gholdengo: 198-234 (52.3 - 61.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Glimmora: 436-516 (142 - 168%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Gouging Fire: 194-230 (55.2 - 65.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Heatran: 340-408 (105.2 - 126.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 212+ SpD Heatran: 264-312 (68.3 - 80.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Iron Boulder: 168-200 (52.3 - 62.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 32 HP / 0 SpD Iron Crown: 170-204 (51.6 - 62%) -- 96.9% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Kingambit: 206-246 (60.4 - 72.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 212 HP / 0 SpD Kingambit: 206-246 (52.2 - 62.4%) -- 98.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Pecharunt: 204-240 (64.3 - 75.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Pecharunt: 204-240 (53.6 - 63.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 64 HP / 0 SpD Raging Bolt: 200-236 (49.1 - 57.9%) -- 57.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 248 HP / 132+ SpD Skeledirge: 180-212 (43.7 - 51.5%) -- 7.4% chance to 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 240+ SpD Slowking-Galar: 126-150 (31.9 - 38%) -- 94.4% chance to 3HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Torkoal: 242-288 (70.5 - 83.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 64 SpD Toxapex: 128-152 (42.1 - 50%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
As for Articuno's other movepool options, the majority of them are courtesy of its bountiful utility options. Haze is a niche but useful tool for resetting boosts, while Reflect or Light Screen can be critical for your team in a pinch defensively. Roar is a neat tech for phasing, while access to Tailwind can allow your team's slower and bulkier threats to blitz past important speed benchmarks including opposing pesky Booster Energy sweepers. As for Tera-type choices, I still recommend Tera Ground for the Electric-type immunity and Rock-type resistance, but Tera Fairy provides a critical Dragon-type immunity along with a neat resistance to both Dark and Fighting-type attacks that synergizes well with Glowking. Tera Ice boosts up the power of Freeze-Dry while also getting rid of Articuno's Electric-type weakness, softening its Rock-type weakness, and giving Articuno a niche but situationally good Ice-type resistance. Tera Poison and Steel can both be helpful against stall teams and allows Articuno to avoid being hit by Toxic.
View attachment 599190
Conclusion
Slowking-Galar is one of the best Pokemon in the OU meta, and anything that can help it both pivot while taking advantage of its numerous fantastic qualities will always have a place in OU. Articuno is one of those Pokemon and the two pair together like peanut butter and jelly. If you're looking for a strong defensive core with great synergy that most teams likely won't be prepared for, consider giving the Articuno/Glowking duo a try. It can fit onto multiple archetypes and I promise you won't be disappointed with how these two complement each other along with the rest of your team.
Articuno @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Pressure
Tera Type: Ground
EVs: 240 HP / 88 SpA / 96 SpD / 84 Spe
Calm Nature
- Freeze-Dry
- Tera Blast
- U-turn
- Roost
This spread will keep your SpAtk at 248 (identical to 0+), while your SpDef improves from 332 to 341 for free. (As a nice bonus, the SpDef nature has a jump point exactly at this value, 4 less EVs would be 339.)
Uhh, level 99 slowking. Are we in this much shit to run this?
its not unknown tech to try to get to be slower than other pivoters in general. here its used with chilly reception, but this was known w regular slowking and slowbro in ss. and of course it goes down further to 98 etc. @ some point it stops doing its job as a defensive piece and loses the point. the reason why you want to be slower is that you get to choose what to go into based on what your opponent goes into
Oh I know about that, I think at some point they went to level 97 because any lower than that what have too much diminishing returns, but the fact that people are willing to do that is kinda concerning as when you want to outspeed an opposing mon by lowering your level, that isn't the best sign for metagame health.
idk why you think its a bad sign its just recognizing that slowking-g is a major player
If you want to get a lower level mon to underspeed a mon, that is a bad sign. You are giving up better stats for the opportunity to underspeed yourself. That shows that getting the second switch on Glowking is so important, you would be using a worse mon. It's less about slowking, but more about how much people rely on glowking, which they shouldn't have to to the extent they want to underspeed a mon. The meta thus could be so powercrept that getting one positioning right is game winning.
idk how you go from 'people are trying to get a slight advantage' to 'one positioning right is game winning' like no? it isnt? at least no more than it ever was? its pretty important & the slight level loss is pretty minimal. once they go to like level 90 we can talk about this
Yes, but in everything other than the mirror match, level 99 glowking is worse. It may be small, but the fact that people are starting to do that is concerning to me. I may be overexaggerating a bit, but non-level 100 mons should be relegated to gimmick territory. When players have to consider whether they want level 99 glowking, that means that glowking is being relied upon too much to keep the metagame together.
It's not the biggest deal in the game, that was me exaggerating a bit, my bad, but we should at least consider if this will become more common, and if it does, will the metagame crumple without glowking.
If I were to EV an offensive threat on my team to survive a specific attack that would otherwise ohko my mon, and I would have to sacrifice some attack stat for it, is that also a bad sign?
We've kinda always done optimizations, be it specific EVs, using niche moves, abilities that are overall worse than alternatives and in some cases even some IV specifications, just for very certain threats and game states
So going a level lower with your slowking is fine, I don't see how it's a sign of bad health
This happened in SS OU a lot with Slowbro too, so it's pretty normal considering that SS is quite a balanced metagame and that kind of stuff still happens there
It may not right now be a sign of bad health, but it shows that something is happening for people to do that. The only relevant mon that you would need to outspeed would be opposing slowking, which means that potentially glowking is being relied on heavily. No one mon should carry the entire metagame, that is unhealthy. It's not the worst thing, but for such little reward most of the time, with a downside, that is something you should keep an eye on.