Machamp | Superpower Pokemon | Steadfast |
| | HP | 90 | 290-384 | Atk | 130 | 238-394 | Def | 80 | 148-284 | SpA | 65 | 121-251 | SpD | 85 | 157-295 | Spe | 55 | 103-229 |
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| Guts | No Guard |
(Sorry, I have no clue how to size down Machamp's image)
Overview:Although Machamp may seem outclassed as a Guts user by Conkeldurr, who has access to both Drain Punch and Mach Punch, Machamp has a perk over Conkeldurr in the rare ability No Guard. No Guard ensures that all hits used by and used on Machamp are 100% accurate. While this can increase Machamp's risk of being statused, as Will-o-Wisp is now 100% accurate on him, he also gets 100% accurate Dynamicpunch and Stone Edge. This can allow Machamp to be really annoying, as anything that is not immune to Fighting-type attacks will automatically be confused. This, when combined with a monster base 130 Attack, can cause the opponent some huge problems, as Machamp can destroy a huge amount of pokemon in the tier. The Dynamicpunch + Payback combination is so hard to switch into that opposing teams will often need a Ghost type that is capable of surviving Payback to respond to Machamp. A simple fighting resist does not check Machamp; one that can deal with both Dynamicpunch and its confusion effect is considered to be a check.
However, Machamp is not immortal. Although Machamp gets Bullet Punch, that base 55 Speed is not single-handedly outrunning pokemon like Celebi or Salamence. Also, 90/80/85 bulk, while indeed decent, is not as stellar as desired; even neutral hits can wear Machamp down. No Guard also leaves Machamp vulnerable to status, which could really cripple our muscular behemoth. Despite these flaws, if you are not prepared for Machamp, you will regret it, as you will Tornadus with its nasty Hurricanes.
Sets:Attacking LeadBreakdown (Machamp) @ Lum Berry
Trait: No Guard
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 HP / 4 Spd
Adamant Nature
- DynamicPunch
- Payback
- Bullet Punch
- Ice Punch
Machamp can hit insanely hard right off the bat. This set has insanely brutal power, as nothing can switch into it effectively. DynamicPunch is Machamp's most brutal STAB with No Guard, as few pokemon can safely switch into it; even Fighting resists and Intimidate users have problems switching into DynamicPunch due to its 100% confusion chance. Payback abuses Machamp's lower speed, as it can perish pokemon that try to hit it hard. Bullet Punch gives Machamp a priority move to finish off weakened foes. Ice Punch can wreck the Dragon types that litter the standard metagame, like Dragonite, Haxorus, Hydreigon, and more. Stone Edge can be used instead if you want to hit Gyarados and Tornadus harder. The following EVs maximize Machamp's power and bulk. The 4 speed EVs allow Machamp to outspeed Blissey, though Blissey really should not be staying in on Machamp to begin with. More speed EVs can be invested to outspeed certain threats, but Machamp prefers having bulk on this set. The Lum Berry allows Machamp to take status once, as status can really ruin this set. Leftovers could be used instead if Machamp's teammates knows Heal Bell/Aromatherapy.
SubstituteBreakdown (Machamp) @ Leftovers
Trait: No Guard
EVs: 252 Atk / 108 HP / 148 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Substitute
- DynamicPunch
- Payback
- Stone Edge
If played correctly, Machamp is a pokemon that can force a lot of switches, and this set takes that even farther by putting Machamp behind a substitute. This blocks Machamp from status and random critical hits, and many switch-ins will have an even harder time putting up with Machamp. DynamicPunch is Machamp's best STAB, as the confusion rate can really ruin things. Payback gives great coverage, and can hurt a lot of faster Pokemon like Latios and Tornadus, who would take a huge hit from Payback. Stone Edge gives more coverage, hitting Flying types that resist DynamicPunch. Ice Punch can be used instead of Stone Edge to hit Gliscor harder, but Gliscor has problems taking Payback due to its base 95 speed. The 148 EVs in speed allow Machamp to outspeed 24 EV Skarmory so it can use DynamicPunch for the confusion, who would otherwise try to use Whirlwind or Brave Bird on Machamp and say sayonara to it. Leftovers regenerates Machamp's HP that was lost from making Substitutes.
Checks and Counters:Although the sheer power of Machamp gives it few counters, there is a large grocery list of checks. Anything that outspeeds Machamp and can OHKO it can dispose of Machamp if it is not behind a substitute is a good check; such Pokemon include Latios, Alakazam, and Tornadus. In fact, Tornadus, whoms popularity is increasing, gives Machamp huge problems with a STAB Hurricane, though it must be careful of switching in due to its shaky bulk. Ghost types like Sableye and Jellicent are immune to DynamicPunch and can use No Guard-enhanced Will-o-Wisp to cripple Machamp, though they must watch out for Payback on the Lum Berry sets, as that can deal some huge damage. Skarmory can take Machamp's attacks and phaze it out with Whirlwind, though the confusion rate of DynamicPunch can be annoying. Slow Psychics like Slowbro and Reuniclus take little from both DynamicPunch and Payback, and can respond back with a Psychic STAB. Residual damage like Spikes, Sandstorm, and poison can easily wear down the Superpower Pokemon. Intimidate users, such as Hitmontop and Gyarados, can also force Machamp out. Basically, get something to wear down its HP, like Sandstorm or Burns, and Machamp will be gone in a matter of minutes.
Teammates:Rotom-W is a good partner for Machamp: Choice Scarf variants can handle both Tornadus and Skarmory. Machamp, in return, can smash Ferrothorn, who can give Rotom-W some problems. Machamp will often have troubles with Skarmory; pokemon like Magnezone or Jolteon can handle the metal bird. Starmie can also be of use, putting huge pressure on Skarmory and Rapid Spinning away entry hazards. Since Machamp is mainly used as a wallbreaker to smash past pokemon like Ferrothorn and Forretress, pokemon that appreciate them gone, like Gastrodon, Starmie, Haxorus, and Weavile are good partners. Some of these pokemon can also rip Psychics, Ghosts, or Skarmory to shreds in return. Entry hazards of your own can be used to abuse the switches Machamp causes; Forretress does this best because of its ability to Rapid Spin as well, though Ferrothorn's higher Special Defense allows it to take on threats to Machamp, such as Latios.