[OVERVIEW]
Skuntank stands out as one of the most versatile Pokemon in PU, being able to serve as a revenge killer and Pursuit trapper while also possessing strong utility options such as Defog and Taunt; these traits, alongside having multiple viable sets, make it very easy to fit onto most teams. Skuntank's fantastic typing makes it one of the best Pursuit trappers and most reliable checks to various Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon such as Bronzor, non-Barrier Musharna, and Jellicent while its ability to run multiple viable sets makes it difficult to predict at Team Preview and allows it to easily fit a team's needs; Choice Band sets can trade some reliability due to Choice locking for more reliably Pursuit trapping Jellicent and Metang and revenge killing Pokemon such as Simisear and Stoutland at higher HP, while Choice Scarf sets can instead let Skuntank more reliably check faster Pokemon such as Oricorio-G, Oricorio-E, and Simisear. Furthermore, Skuntank can choose to run specially attacking sets that help threaten switch-ins such as Mudsdale and Ferroseed more effectively and break through walls such as Torterra and Audino with moves like Acid Spray and Taunt. Skuntank's ability Aftermath also allows it to support its teammates by trading itself to chip physical attackers that use contact moves such as Primeape, Stoutland, Crabominable, and Dodrio, especially if holding a Rocky Helmet, letting it provide valuable support and momentum even when it is no longer useful. Skuntank is, however, held back by its overall average stats, facing competition from generally stronger Pursuit trappers such as Stoutland and Absol and struggling to switch repeatedly into Pokemon it checks such as Haunter and Musharna. Furthermore, its average attacking stats make it unreliable at revenge killing higher HP targets and cause it to struggle greatly against common physical walls such as Mudsdale, Regirock, and Gurdurr. It also faces competition as a revenge killer from Kangaskhan due to the latter's double priority, stronger STAB move in Double-Edge, and better coverage in Earthquake. Skuntank is also held back as a Defogger by its poor matchup versus common Stealth Rock setters such as Mudsdale, Regirock, and Torterra and its lack of reliable recovery, meaning it can struggle to support teams that are particularly vulnerable to Stealth Rock compared to other options such as Rotom-F, Swanna, and Lurantis that have better matchups versus the aforementioned setters and reliable recovery for the latter two.
[SET]
name: Physically Offensive
move 1: Pursuit
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Poison Jab
move 4: Defog / Taunt
item: Rocky Helmet / Black Sludge / Black Glasses
ability: Aftermath
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Pursuit allows Skuntank to trap Dark-weak Pokemon such as Haunter and Bronzor, as well as Cryogonal and weakened Jellicent. Sucker Punch allows Skuntank to revenge kill faster threats such as Alolan Raichu, as well as Dodrio and Ludicolo after chip damage. If another Pokemon on Skuntank's team has Defog or Rapid Spin, Taunt can be used to prevent Pokemon such as Regirock and Ferroseed from setting up Stealth Rock and foes such as Victreebel and non-Scald Jellicent from freely healing against or statusing it. Toxic is an option to help Skuntank punish switch-ins such as Regirock, Mudsdale, and Torterra, but it lacks the utility and team support that Defog and Taunt otherwise provide.
Set Details
========
Aftermath allows Skuntank to punish Pokemon such as Primeape and Dodrio for KOing it with a contact move and can be used in conjunction with Sucker Punch to more reliably revenge kill such Pokemon by increasing the potential damage. Rocky Helmet allows Skuntank to punish contact moves such as Kangaskhan's Fake Out and Primeape's U-turn, and it pairs well with Aftermath by removing a considerable amount of HP from such Pokemon when Skuntank is KOed. Black Sludge is an alternative that offers Skuntank a passive form of recovery, letting it more reliably use Defog and Pursuit trap targets. Black Glasses is another alternative that increases the power of Skuntank's Pursuit and Sucker Punch, allowing it to revenge kill Pokemon such as Simisear from higher HP and pressure Bronzor and Musharna more.
Usage Tips
========
Skuntank can make use of Sucker Punch to revenge kill weakened, faster threats such as Ludicolo under rain, Dodrio, and Simisear or try to Pursuit trap them when they switch out under the threat of Sucker Punch. Skuntank should watch out when using Sucker Punch against Oricorio-G, Simisear, and Alolan Raichu, however, if it is not yet known whether they are running Substitute. In matchups where Skuntank is necessary to Pursuit trap Pokemon such as Haunter and Future Sight Musharna, it should try to preserve its HP as much as possible to ensure it has enough HP to survive a hit from such Pokemon if they stay in. If Skuntank's running Rocky Helmet and low on HP or no longer useful in a match, it can be brought in on physical attackers such as Dodrio, Stoutland, Gurdurr, and Crabominable to deal a considerable amount of recoil to the foe through the combination of Aftermath and Rocky Helmet damage and offer a safe switch in to a teammate, although Skuntank should only attempt this versus Gurdurr if the former is at very low HP due to Drain Punch. If running Defog, since Skuntank does not have a good matchup versus common Stealth Rock setters such as Mudsdale, Regirock, and Torterra, it should primarily attempt to remove entry hazards on Pokemon that it can force out or is not threatened by such as Musharna, Clefairy, Sableye, and Cryogonal. If running Taunt, Skuntank can more readily Pursuit trap targets such as Victreebel and Jellicent for its teammates by preventing Victreebel from staying in and using Strength Sap and stopping Jellicent from using Recover or Will-O-Wisp; however, Skuntank will need to be brought in safely if it does not want to risk being burned, and it must watch out for Scald variants of Jellicent.
Team Options
========
Water- and Grass-types such as Jellicent and Victreebel can help threaten Mudsdale and Regirock, which can both set Stealth Rock against and wall Skuntank. Victreebel can also help deal with Gurdurr and appreciates Skuntank Pursuit trapping Cryogonal and Musharna. Torterra can also help threaten Mudsdale and Regirock while being able to provide Stealth Rock support or a potential wincon with Rock Polish, and it also appreciates Skuntank Pursuit trapping the aforementioned targets. Teammates such as Regirock and Cryogonal can help check Oricorio-E and Oricorio-G, with Regirock also helping to check Kangaskhan and providing Stealth Rock support and Cryogonal helping Skuntank check Victreebel and Jellicent while allowing it to run Taunt or Toxic instead of Defog. Fighting-type Pokemon such as Primeape and Gurdurr appreciate Skuntank being able to Pursuit trap Future Sight Musharna and, if running Taunt, Victreebel. In return, they are able to pressure Regirock and Alolan Sandslash, while Primeape can provide Skuntank with free opportunities to Pursuit trap targets such as Jellicent through U-turn. Pokemon walled by Bronzor, such as Aurorus, Alolan Sandslash, Musharna, and Kangaskhan, appreciate Skuntank's Pursuit trapping. Aurorus can also help pressure Mudsdale and appreciates Skuntank's support in removing or preventing Stealth Rock from setters such as Bronzor and Regirock, while Musharna can offer Future Sight support to help pressure switch-ins such as Mudsdale and Regirock and check Gurdurr.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Pursuit
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Poison Jab
move 4: Crunch
item: Choice Band
ability: Aftermath
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Pursuit allows Skuntank to trap Dark-weak Pokemon such as Musharna, Bronzor, Jellicent, and Haunter and weakened, slower Pokemon such as Stoutland, Victreebel, and Lanturn. Crunch offers Skuntank a reliable Dark-type STAB move, 2HKOing physically defensive sets of both Pokemon, although Skuntank should watch out for Earthquake from Metang.
Set Details
========
Choice Band provides Skuntank with greatly increased damage potential on its moves, allowing it to be a more potent Pursuit trapper and revenge killer. It also allows Skuntank to 2HKO Calm Mind Musharna with Crunch and OHKO Abomasnow with Poison Jab. Maximum Speed with a Jolly nature is preferred to allow Skuntank to outspeed Adamant Kangaskhan and Jolly Absol, notably letting Skuntank revenge kill the latter after Stealth Rock damage. An Adamant nature can be run instead for better damage output, allowing Skuntank to better punish switch-ins such as Mudsdale and more reliably Pursuit trap Pokemon such as Jellicent and Metang while guaranteeing that Skuntank can OHKO Silvally-Fairy with Poison Jab.
Usage Tips
========
Thanks to the increased damage output provided by Choice Band and threat of Choice Band-boosted Crunch, Skuntank is able to more reliably Pursuit trap threats such as Metang, Jellicent, and Victreebel that it would struggle with otherwise. Skuntank should, however, avoid directly switching into the former two and only switch into the latter's STAB moves, as it can be heavily punished by Metang's Earthquake, Jellicent's Will-O-Wisp, and Victreebel's Strength Sap. In general, Choice Band Skuntank should be very careful about locking into specific moves, especially when Pokemon that can punish them are still present. For instance, locking into Sucker Punch allows Pokemon such as Oricorio-G, Omastar, and Musharna to set up for free and is especially dangerous if Substitute users such as Combusken and Alolan Raichu are present. Locking into Pursuit can also offer Pokemon such as Carracosta and Oricorio-E free setup opportunities while giving powerful wallbreakers such as Stoutland and Drampa free turns. While not as dangerous as the previous two, locking into Poison Jab can instead offer free turns to Steel-types such as Aggron, Alolan Sandslash, and Ferroseed, the latter of which can take advantage of any move Skuntank locks into.
Team Options
========
Physically defensive Pokemon such as Mudsdale, Regirock, and Gurdurr are capable of consistently walling Choice Band Skuntank. Teammates such as Victreebel, Jellicent, and Simisear can help break these Pokemon; in return, Victreebel appreciates Skuntank Pursuit trapping Cryogonal, Musharna, and Oricorio-G, while Choice Specs Simisear appreciates Jellicent being Pursuit trapped. Pivots such as Lanturn and Eelektross are able to bring Skuntank in on Pokemon such as Victreebel, Cryogonal, and Musharna that it can Pursuit trap. Eelektross can also help pressure Mudsdale and Regirock, while Assault Vest Lanturn can help check Omastar and non-Grassium Z Simisear, which can set up on Skuntank locked into Pursuit or Sucker Punch. Teammates such as Regirock and Cryogonal can check Pokemon such as Oricorio-E and Oricorio-G that may attempt to set up on Skuntank after locking into an unfavorable move. Lycanroc is a more offensive option that can also help revenge kill these Pokemon as well as Turtonator and Simisear that attempt to set up on Skuntank, although it will need some chip damage on Turtonator. Musharna pairs excellently with Choice Band Skuntank, as Skuntank is able to Pursuit trap problematic Pokemon such as Bronzor, Haunter, and Metang, while Musharna can provide Future Sight support to help punish switch-ins to Skuntank such as Mudsdale, Gurdurr, and Regirock and help check Gurdurr. Teammates such as Alolan Sandslash and Primeape appreciate Skuntank's ability to Pursuit trap Jellicent, enabling Alolan Sandslash to more easily remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin or break through the opposing team with Swords Dance. Primeape in particular invites Jellicent in and can use U-turn against it, bringing Skuntank in safely without risk of being burned. Teammates such as Aurorus, Swords Dance Silvally-Fairy, and Kangaskhan appreciate Skuntank Pursuit trapping Bronzor and Metang, enabling the former two to break enemy teams more easily. Silvally-Fairy in particular is able to bring Skuntank in on these Pokemon through U-turn.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Pursuit
move 2: Poison Jab
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Defog / Punishment
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Aftermath
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Punishment is an alternative option to Defog that allows Skuntank to more easily beat setup sweepers such as Oricorio-E, Musharna, Turtonator, and Simisear. Memento is another option that allows Skuntank to sacrifice itself to offer a setup opportunity to one of its teammates late-game while providing free momentum; however, it is not as reliable when Regirock or Carbink are present due to Clear Body blocking the stat drops. Toxic can instead be run to cripple switch-ins such as Mudsdale and Regirock but is more situational, especially in matchups against Pokemon such as Qwilfish, and can be dangerous to lock into if predicted.
Set Details
========
While a Jolly nature is usually preferred for outspeeding +2 Omastar, an Adamant nature can instead be run to allow Skuntank to do more damage, notably guaranteeing that Skuntank KOes offensive Oricorio-G from full HP and bulky Oricorio-G after Stealth Rock damage.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Scarf Skuntank should be careful about what move it locks itself into, as locking into Pursuit could provide free opportunities for wallbreakers such as Drampa, Aurorus, and Crabominable or setup sweepers such as Carracosta and Oricorio-E; therefore, you should carefully consider this when using Pursuit. Locking into Defog is a very risky, last-resort option that leaves Skuntank wide open, and it should only be done when absolutely necessary. Thanks to the increased Speed from its Choice Scarf, Skuntank can be used to Pursuit trap faster, Dark-weak Pokemon such as Alolan Raichu and Jynx that could otherwise KO Skuntank or put it to sleep first, as well as weakened, fast threats such as Simisear, Lycanroc, Oricorio-E, and Swanna. Skuntank should be wary about attempting this versus the latter two Pokemon if it has not yet revealed that it is a Choice Scarf set, as they may attempt to heal with Roost predicting a Sucker Punch. If running Punishment, Skuntank can aim to use it versus Pokemon such as Carracosta, Calm Mind Oricorio-E, and Nasty Plot Simisear if they are already worn down; however, Skuntank should be careful not to reveal that it is a Choice Scarf variant or that it is running Punishment if attempting to do this to prevent the opponent swapping out and using Skuntank for free turns due to Punishment's low natural Base power.
Team Options
========
Pivots such as Silvally-Fairy, Lanturn, and Rotom-F can help Skuntank perform its roles more reliably despite its average defensive stats. Swords Dance Silvally-Fairy can help to put pressure on the physically defensive Pokemon Skuntank struggles with such as Mudsdale and Gurdurr while being able to pivot Skuntank in on Bronzor with U-turn so that it can be Pursuit trapped, allowing Silvally-Fairy to more reliably clean late-game. Lanturn can instead offer Heal Bell support, allowing Skuntank to attempt to Pursuit trap Jellicent with less fear of being burned, and if Skuntank is running Punishment, Lanturn can pivot into Calm Mind Oricorio-E and safely bring Skuntank in against it with Volt Switch. Rotom-F can help break Mudsdale and Torterra and offer Defog support so Skuntank can run a different move such as Punishment or Memento. Gurdurr is able to switch into Skuntank fairly safely and use it as setup fodder, so reliable checks such as Oricorio-E and Oricorio-G are helpful teammates. While it can't deal with Gurdurr well, Jellicent is another option that can effectively handle Choice Scarf Primeape and isn't weak to Stealth Rock, which is especially useful due to Choice Scarf Primeape outspeeding Skuntank. In return, these Pokemon appreciate Skuntank Pursuit trapping Cryogonal and, in non-Taunt Oricorio-E's case, Bronzor. Teammates such as Ludicolo and Abomasnow can help pressure Torterra, Mudsdale, and Regirock, helping create situations where Skuntank can potentially clean up late-game. Ludicolo can also offer an additional late-game sweeper and appreciates Memento support if Skuntank is running it, while Abomasnow appreciates Skuntank Pursuit trapping Bronzor and can bluff a Choice Scarf set to help Skuntank surprise foes such as Oricorio-G. Fighting-types such as Gurdurr, Primeape, and Combusken appreciate Skuntank's support in Pursuit trapping Pokemon such as Musharna and Alolan Raichu. Gurdurr can in return help check Regirock and Mudsdale and appreciates Skuntank's support against Oricorio-E and Oricorio-G, while Combusken can help patch up Skuntank's below-average Speed for a Choice Scarf user with Speed Boost and help break Pokemon such as Regirock and Torterra with a special attacking set. Alternatively, Swords Dance Combusken sets appreciate Memento support from Skuntank to more reliably set up late-game. Setup sweepers such as Carracosta, Omastar, and Rock Polish Torterra can help break through problematic Pokemon such as Mudsdale and Regirock, with Torterra in particular highly appreciating Skuntank Pursuit trapping Bronzor. All three can also take advantage of Memento support to set up more easily and become harder to revenge kill.
[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Defog
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Acid Spray / Sludge Bomb
move 4: Taunt / Fire Blast
item: Darkinium Z / Black Sludge
ability: Aftermath
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Acid Spray allows Skuntank to pressure usual switch-ins to other Skuntank sets such as Mudsdale, Torterra, Qwilfish, and Gurdurr, putting the former two into range of Skuntank's Z-Move. Sludge Bomb is an alternative that lets Skuntank more immediately threaten Silvally-Fairy and Gurdurr and attempt to poison switch-ins such as Regirock that Acid Spray cannot affect due to Clear Body. Taunt allows Skuntank to prevent entry hazard setters such as Regirock and Carbink, which otherwise wall it, from setting up Stealth Rock and, in conjunction with Acid Spray, allows Skuntank to break through Audino. Fire Blast is an alternative that lets Skuntank OHKO Ferroseed and Alolan Sandslash. It also allows Skuntank to do more damage to Torterra without using its Z-Move and lets it offensively check Victreebel.
Set Details
========
Darkinium Z provides Skuntank with a powerful nuke that it can take advantage of in combination with Acid Spray to KO Pokemon such as Mudsdale and Torterra. Black Sludge is an alternative if another member of Skuntank's team has a Z-Crystal, providing it with a passive form of recovery and allowing it to use Defog more reliably. Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Skuntank to outspeed Adamant Kangaskhan and Jolly Absol; however, a Modest nature can be run for higher damage output, allowing Skuntank to do more chip damage to Pokemon such as Gurdurr and Regirock on the switch in.
Usage Tips
========
Skuntank can aim to use Acid Spray early- and mid-game on switches it forces versus Pokemon such as Victreebel and Jellicent to punish switch-ins such as Mudsdale, Gurdurr, and Eelektross. If Regirock or Carbink is present, however, Skuntank should only ever do this once they have been crippled or removed due to Clear Body preventing Special Defense drops and should instead either use Taunt on the switch or double switch to a Pokemon that can pressure them. Skuntank should be careful about when it uses its Z-Move, as this is usually a very obvious move after Skuntank has used Acid Spray versus a Pokemon such as Mudsdale, and it may be useless if the opponent switches out. If another Pokemon such as Cryogonal or Lanturn is present that may attempt to switch into the Z-Move, Skuntank should ideally wait until they are removed or in range of the Z-Move and focus more on using Dark Pulse when predicting Mudsdale to switch in. Skuntank should prioritize using Defog on switches it forces versus Pokemon such as Jellicent, Musharna, and Bronzor. If Skuntank is running Taunt, it can more freely use Defog while Regirock is still healthy and use Taunt on it after it switches into Skuntank, although it must watch out for Regirock running Earthquake. Skuntank should, however, prioritize attacking Mudsdale if expecting it to come in because Skuntank can't prevent it from setting Stealth Rock back up. If running Taunt, Skuntank can aim to use it when predicting a Pokemon such as Regirock or Carbink to switch in, preventing them setting up Stealth Rock. Skuntank can also aim to use it versus sweepers such as Turtonator, Omastar, and Carracosta that attempt to set up on Skuntank. If running Fire Blast, be careful not to reveal that Skuntank is running a special set early in the match if teammates that appreciate Ferroseed and Alolan Sandslash being removed are present, as the opponent will likely anticipate that you are running Fire Blast after this.
Team Options
========
Pokemon such as Lycanroc and Stoutland appreciate Skuntank weakening Mudsdale and Gurdurr, allowing them to more easily break the enemy team. Lycanroc in particular can help check problematic special walls such as Articuno and Cryogonal as well as Calm Mind Oricorio-E, which can set up on Skuntank, while Skuntank benefits from Stoutland wearing down a shared check in Regirock, allowing it to more easily keep entry hazards off the field. Pokemon such as Golurk, Victreebel, and Eelektross that can pressure Regirock and Carbink make for good teammates; Golurk can set Stealth Rock; Victreebel can pressure Gurdurr and Mudsdale so that Skuntank can save its Z-Move as well as help wear down Eelektross and check Assault Vest Hitmonchan; and Eelektross can check Cryogonal with Drain Punch, wear down Mudsdale so that Skuntank can save its Z-Move, and bring Skuntank in on Pokemon such as Musharna and Audino that it can help break. Teammates such as Regirock and Metang can help to consistently check Silvally-Fairy, making up for Skuntank's inability to reliably pressure it when running Acid Spray. They can also help pressure special walls such as Articuno and Cryogonal and offer Stealth Rock support; in return, they appreciate Skuntank pressuring Jellicent, Victreebel, and Sableye. Oricorio-E and Oricorio-G can help check Gurdurr and appreciate Skuntank being able to remove specially defensive Alolan Sandslash with Fire Blast. Taunt Skuntank sets can instead help pressure Audino and appreciate their help dealing with Victreebel. Skuntank also enjoys Oricorio-E being able to poison its checks such as Regirock, Lanturn, and Eelektross with Toxic. Fighting-types such as Primeape and Gurdurr appreciate Skuntank taking on Jellicent, Musharna, and Victreebel. Primeape and Skuntank can wear down down shared checks such as Mudsdale and Gurdurr, while Primeape and Gurdurr can help pressure Regirock and Carbink and specially defensive Pokemon such as Lanturn and Eelektross. If Skuntank is running Fire Blast, Pokemon such as Kangaskhan, Aurorus, and Musharna enjoy its ability to lure in and KO Ferroseed and Alolan Sandslash, especially specially defensive variants of the latter. In return, Aurorus is able to help pressure Mudsdale, Regirock, and Torterra, Kangaskhan can help pressure Pokemon such as Cryogonal and Calm Mind Oricorio-E, and Musharna can provide Future Sight support to help chip switch-ins to Skuntank such as Regirock and Carbink and provide an answer to specially defensive Pokemon that Skuntank struggles with such as Assault Vest Hitmonchan and Eelektross.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Darkinium Z is an option on physical Skuntank that allows it to use a powerful Dark-type STAB attack versus Pokemon that could otherwise set up on it, such as Calm Mind Musharna, and gives it a single-use nuke for threats such as Aurorus and Stoutland. This comes at the cost of a teammate being able to use a Z-Move, however, and is hard to justify over more useful items such as Rocky Helmet and Black Sludge. Skuntank can also opt to run Memento with Darkinium Z, letting it fully heal a teammate when it is no longer useful in a match and provide free setup opportunities. Iapapa Berry is also an option on Skuntank to provide more longevity, but the healing provided by Black Sludge is more consistent due to the chance that Skuntank will not be able to activate its Iapapa Berry. Crunch is an option on physical Skuntank over Defog or Taunt to allow it to more directly threaten Pokemon such as Metang and Musharna but comes at the cost of a utility move or the ability to revenge kill faster Pokemon such as Dodrio and Simisear. Skuntank can also opt to run Taunt and Toxic together on its physical set, allowing it to spread poison for teammates such as Substitute + Protect Combusken and Calm Mind Musharna while preventing Pokemon such as Lanturn and Audino from using Heal Bell; however, this comes at the cost of one of Skuntank's attacking moves. Skuntank can choose to run a set with both Substitute and Toxic, allowing it to punish Pokemon such as Jellicent and Victreebel for switching out or using Strength Sap and allowing it to wear down Pokemon such as Mudsdale and Regirock with Toxic poison. This, however, comes at the cost of preventing Skuntank from running a utility move such as Taunt or Defog and one of its attacking moves. Fire Blast is an option on Choice Scarf Skuntank that allows it to threaten Alolan Sandslash and Ferroseed, although Skuntank cannot outspeed offensive Alolan Sandslash sets in hail, and Fire Blast is heavily prediction reliant and very weak against targets not 4x weak to Fire. Explosion is another option on Choice Scarf Skuntank that allows it to generate momentum and either heavily chip defensive Pokemon such as Mudsdale for a setup sweeper or remove an offensive threat such as Oricorio-E or Rotom-F in the process. Memento's ability to offer easier setup opportunities for sweepers such as Omastar is, however, generally more useful late-game.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ground-types**: Mudsdale and Torterra are capable of consistently switching into Skuntank's attacks due to their good bulk, can OHKO Skuntank in return with Earthquake, and can both consistently set up Stealth Rock versus teams where Skuntank is running Defog. They must, however, both watch out versus special Skuntank, which can KO them if they switch in on Acid Spray. More niche Ground-type options such as Gastrodon and Golurk can also threaten Skuntank, although Golurk cannot switch into Skuntank.
**Defensive Pokemon**: Physically defensive Pokemon such as Regirock, Gurdurr, and Ferroseed are capable of consistently switching into and walling physical Skuntank sets, using it as a free opportunity to set entry hazards or, in Gurdurr's case, set up with Bulk Up, although Ferroseed must watch out for Taunt. Conversely, specially defensive Pokemon such as Cryogonal, offensive Articuno, and Assault Vest Eelektross are capable of checking specially offensive Skuntank sets, although the latter two must watch out for Skuntank's Z-Move KOing them after switching into Acid Spray, and Cryogonal must watch out for Fire Blast after Acid Spray.
**Faster Pokemon**: Due to Skuntank's average Speed stat, it is outsped and revenge killed by faster Pokemon such as Swanna, Simisear, and Rotom-F due to Sucker Punch's inability to KO them without considerable chip damage and the risk of Will-O-Wisp from Rotom-F. Skuntank also suffers from being slower than Pokemon such as Oricorio-G and Alolan Raichu that it must rely on Sucker Punch to deal with, allowing them to potentially outplay this with moves such as Roost and Substitute, which is an especially noticeable issue for Choice Band variants. While Choice Scarf sets are capable of outspeeding such Pokemon, as well as other Pokemon it can attempt to revenge kill such as Silvally-Fairy, they also suffer from being slower than common Choice Scarf users such as Primeape and Dodrio as well as Alolan Sandslash under hail.
**Setup Sweepers**: Due to Skuntank's mediocre damage output, setup sweepers such as Carracosta, Turtonator, and Gurdurr can take advantage of it for free setup opportunities, although they must watch out for sets running Taunt. Furthermore, Skuntank's reliance on Sucker Punch to revenge kill faster threats can allow Substitute users such as Alolan Raichu and Jynx to outplay it and potentially use it for free setup opportunities. Additionally, Choice item sets can be scouted with such moves and taken advantage by Pokemon such as Oricorio-E, Oricorio-G, and Torterra for free setup if Skuntank locks into, or is already locked into, Sucker Punch or Pursuit. Many of these Pokemon, however, must watch out for Choice Scarf sets running Punishment, which can revenge kill them after they set up.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Estarossa, 461329]]
- Quality checked by: [[Megazard, 202117], [royesk, 474994], [yogi, 252106]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
Skuntank stands out as one of the most versatile Pokemon in PU, being able to serve as a revenge killer and Pursuit trapper while also possessing strong utility options such as Defog and Taunt; these traits, alongside having multiple viable sets, make it very easy to fit onto most teams. Skuntank's fantastic typing makes it one of the best Pursuit trappers and most reliable checks to various Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon such as Bronzor, non-Barrier Musharna, and Jellicent while its ability to run multiple viable sets makes it difficult to predict at Team Preview and allows it to easily fit a team's needs; Choice Band sets can trade some reliability due to Choice locking for more reliably Pursuit trapping Jellicent and Metang and revenge killing Pokemon such as Simisear and Stoutland at higher HP, while Choice Scarf sets can instead let Skuntank more reliably check faster Pokemon such as Oricorio-G, Oricorio-E, and Simisear. Furthermore, Skuntank can choose to run specially attacking sets that help threaten switch-ins such as Mudsdale and Ferroseed more effectively and break through walls such as Torterra and Audino with moves like Acid Spray and Taunt. Skuntank's ability Aftermath also allows it to support its teammates by trading itself to chip physical attackers that use contact moves such as Primeape, Stoutland, Crabominable, and Dodrio, especially if holding a Rocky Helmet, letting it provide valuable support and momentum even when it is no longer useful. Skuntank is, however, held back by its overall average stats, facing competition from generally stronger Pursuit trappers such as Stoutland and Absol and struggling to switch repeatedly into Pokemon it checks such as Haunter and Musharna. Furthermore, its average attacking stats make it unreliable at revenge killing higher HP targets and cause it to struggle greatly against common physical walls such as Mudsdale, Regirock, and Gurdurr. It also faces competition as a revenge killer from Kangaskhan due to the latter's double priority, stronger STAB move in Double-Edge, and better coverage in Earthquake. Skuntank is also held back as a Defogger by its poor matchup versus common Stealth Rock setters such as Mudsdale, Regirock, and Torterra and its lack of reliable recovery, meaning it can struggle to support teams that are particularly vulnerable to Stealth Rock compared to other options such as Rotom-F, Swanna, and Lurantis that have better matchups versus the aforementioned setters and reliable recovery for the latter two.
[SET]
name: Physically Offensive
move 1: Pursuit
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Poison Jab
move 4: Defog / Taunt
item: Rocky Helmet / Black Sludge / Black Glasses
ability: Aftermath
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Pursuit allows Skuntank to trap Dark-weak Pokemon such as Haunter and Bronzor, as well as Cryogonal and weakened Jellicent. Sucker Punch allows Skuntank to revenge kill faster threats such as Alolan Raichu, as well as Dodrio and Ludicolo after chip damage. If another Pokemon on Skuntank's team has Defog or Rapid Spin, Taunt can be used to prevent Pokemon such as Regirock and Ferroseed from setting up Stealth Rock and foes such as Victreebel and non-Scald Jellicent from freely healing against or statusing it. Toxic is an option to help Skuntank punish switch-ins such as Regirock, Mudsdale, and Torterra, but it lacks the utility and team support that Defog and Taunt otherwise provide.
Set Details
========
Aftermath allows Skuntank to punish Pokemon such as Primeape and Dodrio for KOing it with a contact move and can be used in conjunction with Sucker Punch to more reliably revenge kill such Pokemon by increasing the potential damage. Rocky Helmet allows Skuntank to punish contact moves such as Kangaskhan's Fake Out and Primeape's U-turn, and it pairs well with Aftermath by removing a considerable amount of HP from such Pokemon when Skuntank is KOed. Black Sludge is an alternative that offers Skuntank a passive form of recovery, letting it more reliably use Defog and Pursuit trap targets. Black Glasses is another alternative that increases the power of Skuntank's Pursuit and Sucker Punch, allowing it to revenge kill Pokemon such as Simisear from higher HP and pressure Bronzor and Musharna more.
Usage Tips
========
Skuntank can make use of Sucker Punch to revenge kill weakened, faster threats such as Ludicolo under rain, Dodrio, and Simisear or try to Pursuit trap them when they switch out under the threat of Sucker Punch. Skuntank should watch out when using Sucker Punch against Oricorio-G, Simisear, and Alolan Raichu, however, if it is not yet known whether they are running Substitute. In matchups where Skuntank is necessary to Pursuit trap Pokemon such as Haunter and Future Sight Musharna, it should try to preserve its HP as much as possible to ensure it has enough HP to survive a hit from such Pokemon if they stay in. If Skuntank's running Rocky Helmet and low on HP or no longer useful in a match, it can be brought in on physical attackers such as Dodrio, Stoutland, Gurdurr, and Crabominable to deal a considerable amount of recoil to the foe through the combination of Aftermath and Rocky Helmet damage and offer a safe switch in to a teammate, although Skuntank should only attempt this versus Gurdurr if the former is at very low HP due to Drain Punch. If running Defog, since Skuntank does not have a good matchup versus common Stealth Rock setters such as Mudsdale, Regirock, and Torterra, it should primarily attempt to remove entry hazards on Pokemon that it can force out or is not threatened by such as Musharna, Clefairy, Sableye, and Cryogonal. If running Taunt, Skuntank can more readily Pursuit trap targets such as Victreebel and Jellicent for its teammates by preventing Victreebel from staying in and using Strength Sap and stopping Jellicent from using Recover or Will-O-Wisp; however, Skuntank will need to be brought in safely if it does not want to risk being burned, and it must watch out for Scald variants of Jellicent.
Team Options
========
Water- and Grass-types such as Jellicent and Victreebel can help threaten Mudsdale and Regirock, which can both set Stealth Rock against and wall Skuntank. Victreebel can also help deal with Gurdurr and appreciates Skuntank Pursuit trapping Cryogonal and Musharna. Torterra can also help threaten Mudsdale and Regirock while being able to provide Stealth Rock support or a potential wincon with Rock Polish, and it also appreciates Skuntank Pursuit trapping the aforementioned targets. Teammates such as Regirock and Cryogonal can help check Oricorio-E and Oricorio-G, with Regirock also helping to check Kangaskhan and providing Stealth Rock support and Cryogonal helping Skuntank check Victreebel and Jellicent while allowing it to run Taunt or Toxic instead of Defog. Fighting-type Pokemon such as Primeape and Gurdurr appreciate Skuntank being able to Pursuit trap Future Sight Musharna and, if running Taunt, Victreebel. In return, they are able to pressure Regirock and Alolan Sandslash, while Primeape can provide Skuntank with free opportunities to Pursuit trap targets such as Jellicent through U-turn. Pokemon walled by Bronzor, such as Aurorus, Alolan Sandslash, Musharna, and Kangaskhan, appreciate Skuntank's Pursuit trapping. Aurorus can also help pressure Mudsdale and appreciates Skuntank's support in removing or preventing Stealth Rock from setters such as Bronzor and Regirock, while Musharna can offer Future Sight support to help pressure switch-ins such as Mudsdale and Regirock and check Gurdurr.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Pursuit
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Poison Jab
move 4: Crunch
item: Choice Band
ability: Aftermath
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Pursuit allows Skuntank to trap Dark-weak Pokemon such as Musharna, Bronzor, Jellicent, and Haunter and weakened, slower Pokemon such as Stoutland, Victreebel, and Lanturn. Crunch offers Skuntank a reliable Dark-type STAB move, 2HKOing physically defensive sets of both Pokemon, although Skuntank should watch out for Earthquake from Metang.
Set Details
========
Choice Band provides Skuntank with greatly increased damage potential on its moves, allowing it to be a more potent Pursuit trapper and revenge killer. It also allows Skuntank to 2HKO Calm Mind Musharna with Crunch and OHKO Abomasnow with Poison Jab. Maximum Speed with a Jolly nature is preferred to allow Skuntank to outspeed Adamant Kangaskhan and Jolly Absol, notably letting Skuntank revenge kill the latter after Stealth Rock damage. An Adamant nature can be run instead for better damage output, allowing Skuntank to better punish switch-ins such as Mudsdale and more reliably Pursuit trap Pokemon such as Jellicent and Metang while guaranteeing that Skuntank can OHKO Silvally-Fairy with Poison Jab.
Usage Tips
========
Thanks to the increased damage output provided by Choice Band and threat of Choice Band-boosted Crunch, Skuntank is able to more reliably Pursuit trap threats such as Metang, Jellicent, and Victreebel that it would struggle with otherwise. Skuntank should, however, avoid directly switching into the former two and only switch into the latter's STAB moves, as it can be heavily punished by Metang's Earthquake, Jellicent's Will-O-Wisp, and Victreebel's Strength Sap. In general, Choice Band Skuntank should be very careful about locking into specific moves, especially when Pokemon that can punish them are still present. For instance, locking into Sucker Punch allows Pokemon such as Oricorio-G, Omastar, and Musharna to set up for free and is especially dangerous if Substitute users such as Combusken and Alolan Raichu are present. Locking into Pursuit can also offer Pokemon such as Carracosta and Oricorio-E free setup opportunities while giving powerful wallbreakers such as Stoutland and Drampa free turns. While not as dangerous as the previous two, locking into Poison Jab can instead offer free turns to Steel-types such as Aggron, Alolan Sandslash, and Ferroseed, the latter of which can take advantage of any move Skuntank locks into.
Team Options
========
Physically defensive Pokemon such as Mudsdale, Regirock, and Gurdurr are capable of consistently walling Choice Band Skuntank. Teammates such as Victreebel, Jellicent, and Simisear can help break these Pokemon; in return, Victreebel appreciates Skuntank Pursuit trapping Cryogonal, Musharna, and Oricorio-G, while Choice Specs Simisear appreciates Jellicent being Pursuit trapped. Pivots such as Lanturn and Eelektross are able to bring Skuntank in on Pokemon such as Victreebel, Cryogonal, and Musharna that it can Pursuit trap. Eelektross can also help pressure Mudsdale and Regirock, while Assault Vest Lanturn can help check Omastar and non-Grassium Z Simisear, which can set up on Skuntank locked into Pursuit or Sucker Punch. Teammates such as Regirock and Cryogonal can check Pokemon such as Oricorio-E and Oricorio-G that may attempt to set up on Skuntank after locking into an unfavorable move. Lycanroc is a more offensive option that can also help revenge kill these Pokemon as well as Turtonator and Simisear that attempt to set up on Skuntank, although it will need some chip damage on Turtonator. Musharna pairs excellently with Choice Band Skuntank, as Skuntank is able to Pursuit trap problematic Pokemon such as Bronzor, Haunter, and Metang, while Musharna can provide Future Sight support to help punish switch-ins to Skuntank such as Mudsdale, Gurdurr, and Regirock and help check Gurdurr. Teammates such as Alolan Sandslash and Primeape appreciate Skuntank's ability to Pursuit trap Jellicent, enabling Alolan Sandslash to more easily remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin or break through the opposing team with Swords Dance. Primeape in particular invites Jellicent in and can use U-turn against it, bringing Skuntank in safely without risk of being burned. Teammates such as Aurorus, Swords Dance Silvally-Fairy, and Kangaskhan appreciate Skuntank Pursuit trapping Bronzor and Metang, enabling the former two to break enemy teams more easily. Silvally-Fairy in particular is able to bring Skuntank in on these Pokemon through U-turn.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Pursuit
move 2: Poison Jab
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Defog / Punishment
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Aftermath
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Punishment is an alternative option to Defog that allows Skuntank to more easily beat setup sweepers such as Oricorio-E, Musharna, Turtonator, and Simisear. Memento is another option that allows Skuntank to sacrifice itself to offer a setup opportunity to one of its teammates late-game while providing free momentum; however, it is not as reliable when Regirock or Carbink are present due to Clear Body blocking the stat drops. Toxic can instead be run to cripple switch-ins such as Mudsdale and Regirock but is more situational, especially in matchups against Pokemon such as Qwilfish, and can be dangerous to lock into if predicted.
Set Details
========
While a Jolly nature is usually preferred for outspeeding +2 Omastar, an Adamant nature can instead be run to allow Skuntank to do more damage, notably guaranteeing that Skuntank KOes offensive Oricorio-G from full HP and bulky Oricorio-G after Stealth Rock damage.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Scarf Skuntank should be careful about what move it locks itself into, as locking into Pursuit could provide free opportunities for wallbreakers such as Drampa, Aurorus, and Crabominable or setup sweepers such as Carracosta and Oricorio-E; therefore, you should carefully consider this when using Pursuit. Locking into Defog is a very risky, last-resort option that leaves Skuntank wide open, and it should only be done when absolutely necessary. Thanks to the increased Speed from its Choice Scarf, Skuntank can be used to Pursuit trap faster, Dark-weak Pokemon such as Alolan Raichu and Jynx that could otherwise KO Skuntank or put it to sleep first, as well as weakened, fast threats such as Simisear, Lycanroc, Oricorio-E, and Swanna. Skuntank should be wary about attempting this versus the latter two Pokemon if it has not yet revealed that it is a Choice Scarf set, as they may attempt to heal with Roost predicting a Sucker Punch. If running Punishment, Skuntank can aim to use it versus Pokemon such as Carracosta, Calm Mind Oricorio-E, and Nasty Plot Simisear if they are already worn down; however, Skuntank should be careful not to reveal that it is a Choice Scarf variant or that it is running Punishment if attempting to do this to prevent the opponent swapping out and using Skuntank for free turns due to Punishment's low natural Base power.
Team Options
========
Pivots such as Silvally-Fairy, Lanturn, and Rotom-F can help Skuntank perform its roles more reliably despite its average defensive stats. Swords Dance Silvally-Fairy can help to put pressure on the physically defensive Pokemon Skuntank struggles with such as Mudsdale and Gurdurr while being able to pivot Skuntank in on Bronzor with U-turn so that it can be Pursuit trapped, allowing Silvally-Fairy to more reliably clean late-game. Lanturn can instead offer Heal Bell support, allowing Skuntank to attempt to Pursuit trap Jellicent with less fear of being burned, and if Skuntank is running Punishment, Lanturn can pivot into Calm Mind Oricorio-E and safely bring Skuntank in against it with Volt Switch. Rotom-F can help break Mudsdale and Torterra and offer Defog support so Skuntank can run a different move such as Punishment or Memento. Gurdurr is able to switch into Skuntank fairly safely and use it as setup fodder, so reliable checks such as Oricorio-E and Oricorio-G are helpful teammates. While it can't deal with Gurdurr well, Jellicent is another option that can effectively handle Choice Scarf Primeape and isn't weak to Stealth Rock, which is especially useful due to Choice Scarf Primeape outspeeding Skuntank. In return, these Pokemon appreciate Skuntank Pursuit trapping Cryogonal and, in non-Taunt Oricorio-E's case, Bronzor. Teammates such as Ludicolo and Abomasnow can help pressure Torterra, Mudsdale, and Regirock, helping create situations where Skuntank can potentially clean up late-game. Ludicolo can also offer an additional late-game sweeper and appreciates Memento support if Skuntank is running it, while Abomasnow appreciates Skuntank Pursuit trapping Bronzor and can bluff a Choice Scarf set to help Skuntank surprise foes such as Oricorio-G. Fighting-types such as Gurdurr, Primeape, and Combusken appreciate Skuntank's support in Pursuit trapping Pokemon such as Musharna and Alolan Raichu. Gurdurr can in return help check Regirock and Mudsdale and appreciates Skuntank's support against Oricorio-E and Oricorio-G, while Combusken can help patch up Skuntank's below-average Speed for a Choice Scarf user with Speed Boost and help break Pokemon such as Regirock and Torterra with a special attacking set. Alternatively, Swords Dance Combusken sets appreciate Memento support from Skuntank to more reliably set up late-game. Setup sweepers such as Carracosta, Omastar, and Rock Polish Torterra can help break through problematic Pokemon such as Mudsdale and Regirock, with Torterra in particular highly appreciating Skuntank Pursuit trapping Bronzor. All three can also take advantage of Memento support to set up more easily and become harder to revenge kill.
[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Defog
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Acid Spray / Sludge Bomb
move 4: Taunt / Fire Blast
item: Darkinium Z / Black Sludge
ability: Aftermath
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Acid Spray allows Skuntank to pressure usual switch-ins to other Skuntank sets such as Mudsdale, Torterra, Qwilfish, and Gurdurr, putting the former two into range of Skuntank's Z-Move. Sludge Bomb is an alternative that lets Skuntank more immediately threaten Silvally-Fairy and Gurdurr and attempt to poison switch-ins such as Regirock that Acid Spray cannot affect due to Clear Body. Taunt allows Skuntank to prevent entry hazard setters such as Regirock and Carbink, which otherwise wall it, from setting up Stealth Rock and, in conjunction with Acid Spray, allows Skuntank to break through Audino. Fire Blast is an alternative that lets Skuntank OHKO Ferroseed and Alolan Sandslash. It also allows Skuntank to do more damage to Torterra without using its Z-Move and lets it offensively check Victreebel.
Set Details
========
Darkinium Z provides Skuntank with a powerful nuke that it can take advantage of in combination with Acid Spray to KO Pokemon such as Mudsdale and Torterra. Black Sludge is an alternative if another member of Skuntank's team has a Z-Crystal, providing it with a passive form of recovery and allowing it to use Defog more reliably. Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Skuntank to outspeed Adamant Kangaskhan and Jolly Absol; however, a Modest nature can be run for higher damage output, allowing Skuntank to do more chip damage to Pokemon such as Gurdurr and Regirock on the switch in.
Usage Tips
========
Skuntank can aim to use Acid Spray early- and mid-game on switches it forces versus Pokemon such as Victreebel and Jellicent to punish switch-ins such as Mudsdale, Gurdurr, and Eelektross. If Regirock or Carbink is present, however, Skuntank should only ever do this once they have been crippled or removed due to Clear Body preventing Special Defense drops and should instead either use Taunt on the switch or double switch to a Pokemon that can pressure them. Skuntank should be careful about when it uses its Z-Move, as this is usually a very obvious move after Skuntank has used Acid Spray versus a Pokemon such as Mudsdale, and it may be useless if the opponent switches out. If another Pokemon such as Cryogonal or Lanturn is present that may attempt to switch into the Z-Move, Skuntank should ideally wait until they are removed or in range of the Z-Move and focus more on using Dark Pulse when predicting Mudsdale to switch in. Skuntank should prioritize using Defog on switches it forces versus Pokemon such as Jellicent, Musharna, and Bronzor. If Skuntank is running Taunt, it can more freely use Defog while Regirock is still healthy and use Taunt on it after it switches into Skuntank, although it must watch out for Regirock running Earthquake. Skuntank should, however, prioritize attacking Mudsdale if expecting it to come in because Skuntank can't prevent it from setting Stealth Rock back up. If running Taunt, Skuntank can aim to use it when predicting a Pokemon such as Regirock or Carbink to switch in, preventing them setting up Stealth Rock. Skuntank can also aim to use it versus sweepers such as Turtonator, Omastar, and Carracosta that attempt to set up on Skuntank. If running Fire Blast, be careful not to reveal that Skuntank is running a special set early in the match if teammates that appreciate Ferroseed and Alolan Sandslash being removed are present, as the opponent will likely anticipate that you are running Fire Blast after this.
Team Options
========
Pokemon such as Lycanroc and Stoutland appreciate Skuntank weakening Mudsdale and Gurdurr, allowing them to more easily break the enemy team. Lycanroc in particular can help check problematic special walls such as Articuno and Cryogonal as well as Calm Mind Oricorio-E, which can set up on Skuntank, while Skuntank benefits from Stoutland wearing down a shared check in Regirock, allowing it to more easily keep entry hazards off the field. Pokemon such as Golurk, Victreebel, and Eelektross that can pressure Regirock and Carbink make for good teammates; Golurk can set Stealth Rock; Victreebel can pressure Gurdurr and Mudsdale so that Skuntank can save its Z-Move as well as help wear down Eelektross and check Assault Vest Hitmonchan; and Eelektross can check Cryogonal with Drain Punch, wear down Mudsdale so that Skuntank can save its Z-Move, and bring Skuntank in on Pokemon such as Musharna and Audino that it can help break. Teammates such as Regirock and Metang can help to consistently check Silvally-Fairy, making up for Skuntank's inability to reliably pressure it when running Acid Spray. They can also help pressure special walls such as Articuno and Cryogonal and offer Stealth Rock support; in return, they appreciate Skuntank pressuring Jellicent, Victreebel, and Sableye. Oricorio-E and Oricorio-G can help check Gurdurr and appreciate Skuntank being able to remove specially defensive Alolan Sandslash with Fire Blast. Taunt Skuntank sets can instead help pressure Audino and appreciate their help dealing with Victreebel. Skuntank also enjoys Oricorio-E being able to poison its checks such as Regirock, Lanturn, and Eelektross with Toxic. Fighting-types such as Primeape and Gurdurr appreciate Skuntank taking on Jellicent, Musharna, and Victreebel. Primeape and Skuntank can wear down down shared checks such as Mudsdale and Gurdurr, while Primeape and Gurdurr can help pressure Regirock and Carbink and specially defensive Pokemon such as Lanturn and Eelektross. If Skuntank is running Fire Blast, Pokemon such as Kangaskhan, Aurorus, and Musharna enjoy its ability to lure in and KO Ferroseed and Alolan Sandslash, especially specially defensive variants of the latter. In return, Aurorus is able to help pressure Mudsdale, Regirock, and Torterra, Kangaskhan can help pressure Pokemon such as Cryogonal and Calm Mind Oricorio-E, and Musharna can provide Future Sight support to help chip switch-ins to Skuntank such as Regirock and Carbink and provide an answer to specially defensive Pokemon that Skuntank struggles with such as Assault Vest Hitmonchan and Eelektross.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Darkinium Z is an option on physical Skuntank that allows it to use a powerful Dark-type STAB attack versus Pokemon that could otherwise set up on it, such as Calm Mind Musharna, and gives it a single-use nuke for threats such as Aurorus and Stoutland. This comes at the cost of a teammate being able to use a Z-Move, however, and is hard to justify over more useful items such as Rocky Helmet and Black Sludge. Skuntank can also opt to run Memento with Darkinium Z, letting it fully heal a teammate when it is no longer useful in a match and provide free setup opportunities. Iapapa Berry is also an option on Skuntank to provide more longevity, but the healing provided by Black Sludge is more consistent due to the chance that Skuntank will not be able to activate its Iapapa Berry. Crunch is an option on physical Skuntank over Defog or Taunt to allow it to more directly threaten Pokemon such as Metang and Musharna but comes at the cost of a utility move or the ability to revenge kill faster Pokemon such as Dodrio and Simisear. Skuntank can also opt to run Taunt and Toxic together on its physical set, allowing it to spread poison for teammates such as Substitute + Protect Combusken and Calm Mind Musharna while preventing Pokemon such as Lanturn and Audino from using Heal Bell; however, this comes at the cost of one of Skuntank's attacking moves. Skuntank can choose to run a set with both Substitute and Toxic, allowing it to punish Pokemon such as Jellicent and Victreebel for switching out or using Strength Sap and allowing it to wear down Pokemon such as Mudsdale and Regirock with Toxic poison. This, however, comes at the cost of preventing Skuntank from running a utility move such as Taunt or Defog and one of its attacking moves. Fire Blast is an option on Choice Scarf Skuntank that allows it to threaten Alolan Sandslash and Ferroseed, although Skuntank cannot outspeed offensive Alolan Sandslash sets in hail, and Fire Blast is heavily prediction reliant and very weak against targets not 4x weak to Fire. Explosion is another option on Choice Scarf Skuntank that allows it to generate momentum and either heavily chip defensive Pokemon such as Mudsdale for a setup sweeper or remove an offensive threat such as Oricorio-E or Rotom-F in the process. Memento's ability to offer easier setup opportunities for sweepers such as Omastar is, however, generally more useful late-game.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ground-types**: Mudsdale and Torterra are capable of consistently switching into Skuntank's attacks due to their good bulk, can OHKO Skuntank in return with Earthquake, and can both consistently set up Stealth Rock versus teams where Skuntank is running Defog. They must, however, both watch out versus special Skuntank, which can KO them if they switch in on Acid Spray. More niche Ground-type options such as Gastrodon and Golurk can also threaten Skuntank, although Golurk cannot switch into Skuntank.
**Defensive Pokemon**: Physically defensive Pokemon such as Regirock, Gurdurr, and Ferroseed are capable of consistently switching into and walling physical Skuntank sets, using it as a free opportunity to set entry hazards or, in Gurdurr's case, set up with Bulk Up, although Ferroseed must watch out for Taunt. Conversely, specially defensive Pokemon such as Cryogonal, offensive Articuno, and Assault Vest Eelektross are capable of checking specially offensive Skuntank sets, although the latter two must watch out for Skuntank's Z-Move KOing them after switching into Acid Spray, and Cryogonal must watch out for Fire Blast after Acid Spray.
**Faster Pokemon**: Due to Skuntank's average Speed stat, it is outsped and revenge killed by faster Pokemon such as Swanna, Simisear, and Rotom-F due to Sucker Punch's inability to KO them without considerable chip damage and the risk of Will-O-Wisp from Rotom-F. Skuntank also suffers from being slower than Pokemon such as Oricorio-G and Alolan Raichu that it must rely on Sucker Punch to deal with, allowing them to potentially outplay this with moves such as Roost and Substitute, which is an especially noticeable issue for Choice Band variants. While Choice Scarf sets are capable of outspeeding such Pokemon, as well as other Pokemon it can attempt to revenge kill such as Silvally-Fairy, they also suffer from being slower than common Choice Scarf users such as Primeape and Dodrio as well as Alolan Sandslash under hail.
**Setup Sweepers**: Due to Skuntank's mediocre damage output, setup sweepers such as Carracosta, Turtonator, and Gurdurr can take advantage of it for free setup opportunities, although they must watch out for sets running Taunt. Furthermore, Skuntank's reliance on Sucker Punch to revenge kill faster threats can allow Substitute users such as Alolan Raichu and Jynx to outplay it and potentially use it for free setup opportunities. Additionally, Choice item sets can be scouted with such moves and taken advantage by Pokemon such as Oricorio-E, Oricorio-G, and Torterra for free setup if Skuntank locks into, or is already locked into, Sucker Punch or Pursuit. Many of these Pokemon, however, must watch out for Choice Scarf sets running Punishment, which can revenge kill them after they set up.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Estarossa, 461329]]
- Quality checked by: [[Megazard, 202117], [royesk, 474994], [yogi, 252106]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
Last edited by a moderator:
support in Pursuit trapping Pokemon such as Musharna and Alolan Raichu. Gurdurr can in return help to check Regirock and Mudsdale for Skuntank, and appreciates Skuntank's support against Oricorio-E and Oricorio-G, while Combusken can help patch up Skuntank's below average speed for a Choice Scarf user with Speed Boost help to break Pokemon such as Regirock, 
through U-turn. Pokemon walled by Bronzor such as Aurorus, Alolan Sandslash, Musharna, and Kangaskhan appreciate Skuntank's Pursuit Trapping. Aurorus can also help to pressure Mudsdale for Skuntank, and appreciates Skuntank's support in removing or preventing Stealth Rock from setters such as Bronzor and Regirock, while Musharna can offer Future Sight support to help pressure switch ins such as Mudsdale and Regirock, and help to check Gurdurr.
