VGC 17 Analysis: Mudsdale

(VGC 2017) Mudsdale ( Assault Vest / Physical Attacker ) Movesets


Dec 17th 2016

Deviant Art by toilet--princess

Mudsdale is a rather interesting new Pokemon introduced in the latest games and has slowly steady itself as one of the premier Ground-types in the new VGC 17 format. With an overall defensive allocation of 100 HP / 100 Defense / 85 Special Defense with an respectable high 125 Attack stat, Mudsdales a bulky offensive Pokemon that can prove difficult to take down at times. Thanks to its new ability Stamina, any attacks directed towards Mudsdale will raise its defense stat by one stage every time. Though this might sound irrelevant at first since Mudsdale has to gain the defense boosts to be a relevant tank, its relatively high defensive stats allow it to take most resisted or physical hits well enough to use these stat modifiers.

Thanks to its pure Ground-typing, Mudsdale can serve a a makeshift response against some of the common Pokemon in the format, most notably Electric-types (Tapu Koko, Alolan Raichu), Fire-types (Arcanine, Torkoal, Talonflame), Steel-types (Metagross, Magnezone, etc), Poison-types (Nihilego, Gengar, Salazzle, Alolan Muk), and Rock-types (Gigalith, Aerodactyl). With that weren't enough, Mudsdale receives a relatively strong STAB single target Ground-type move in High Horsepower which doesn't get nerf by Grassy Terrain's effects, thus making it a somewhat stable option. Granted Mudsdale still access to STAB Earthquake as well as coverage options like Rock Slide, Heavy Slam, and Close Combat to hit most of the format for neutral damage.

Though Mudsdale serves as a great Ground-type to chose from, keep in mind some of its faults. Perhaps its biggest one is the fact Mudsdale's Base Speed clocks in at about 35, making it one of the slower Pokemon in the format. While this might make it a good Trick Room response (and user), Mudsdale isn't fast enough to take on most of the faster format to support its teammates. As a result of its low speed, Mudsdale will likely be hit against Water-, Grass-,  and Ice-type moves, which all three have seen notable usable from certain key Pokemon and/or archetypes like Tapu Bulu, Rain, Hail, etc. With all that said, Mudsdale is a great Pokemon to try with the right kind of support for any teams who need answers to Fire-, Electric-, Rock-, or Poison-types.

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Mudsdale

Type: :ground:
Base Stats: 100 HP / 125 Attack / 100 Defense /  55 Special Attack / 85 Special Defense / 35 Speed
Weaknesses:  :water:  x2  :ice:  x2 :grass: x2
Resistances: :rock:  x0.5  :poison:  x0.5
Immunities: :electric:
Ability 1: Own Tempo - Prevents the user from being confused.
Ability 2: Stamina - Raise the Defense stat by 1 stage every time the user is hit with an attack (either Physical or Special). 

Hidden Ability: Inner Focus - Prevents the user from being flinched. 

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Assault Vest User

Mudsdale @ Assault Vest
Ability: Stamina
Level: 50
EVs: 156 HP / 204 Atk / 12 Def / 132 SpD / 4 Spe
Adamant Nature
- High Horsepower / Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Heavy Slam
- Close Combat

Milestones: 
-OHKO 252 HP / 4 Def Tapu Lele with Heavy Slam
-Avoids being 2HKOed by Torkoal with Sun-boosted Eruptions
-Avoids being 2HKOed by Alolan Ninetales's Blizzard
-Has a 6.3% chance for Tapu Lele to 2HKO with boosted Psychic.
-Flare Blitz from Alolan Marowak can't OHKO Mudsdale.
-Has a 93.8% chance to OHKO 252 HP / 4 Def Alolan Muk.

Assault Vest Mudsdale is one of the most resilient bulky Pokemon to use in the format given its strong defensive standpoint and its movepool. High Horsepower is a base 95 single target Ground-type move which can inflict heavy damage against those Electric-, Poison-, Fire-, and Steel-types, though it can miss at times. The advantage of using High Horsepower compared to Earthquake is most Pokemon are usually adept to taking spread STAB Earthquake damage at best, especially with Grassy Terrain being present. STAB Earthquake is still a decent option to utilize for spread damage, though it can be potentially blocked by Wide Guard. Rock Slide rounds out Mudsdale neutral coverage with Rock-type spread damage, though won't be flinching things unless Mudsdale is faster or under Trick Room. Heavy Slam is a strong Steel-type move for over two-thousand pound Pokemon to use it hit Fairy-types hard, especially against the Tapus. Finally, Close Combat is a great coverage move for Normal-types like Porygon2 or Snorlax, though keep in mind its defenses will reduce by one stage.

In terms of defensive standpoint, the EV Spread from Mudsdale is able to tank some of the strongest hits in the game while still retaliate in return. An example of this is a Modest Shattered Psyche from Tapu Lele in the Psychic Terrain won't be able to OHKO Assault Vest Mudsdale. In return, Heavy Slam from Mudsdale is able to OHKO most Tapu Lele unless they are significantly bulky. Another example of this newfound bulk is Torkoal's Sun-boosted Eruption won't be able to 2HKO Assault Vest Mudsdale, who in turn can hit with a High Horsepower. Usually Mudsdale won't be able to take repeated hits from the opposing side so a Pokemon with Intimidate, and maybe potential Snarl support like Arcanine or Krookodile can help.

Keep in mind Stamina can play a influential role for Mudsdale as it will most likely be switching in on resisted or moderately weak spread moves like Earthquake or Rock Slide. With a +1 defensive boost, Mudsdale is rather difficult to take down superior defensive stats unless the opponent uses a strong physical attack like a Waterfall from Gyarados. If the opponent has predominant physical attackers who can't straight-up OHKO Mudsdale, chances are it will likely stick around for the majority of the match and continue inflicting STAB High Horsepower or one of its coverage moves.

To get an idea of how Mudsdale is strong from both a offensive and defensive standpoint here are some damage calcs features these feats.


Offensive Calcs
[spoiler]

High Horsepower

-1 204+ Atk Mudsdale High Horsepower vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Arcanine: 134-162 (68 - 82.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
204+ Atk Mudsdale High Horsepower vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Magnezone: 304-360 (171.7 - 203.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
204+ Atk Mudsdale High Horsepower vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Metagross: 134-162 (71.6 - 86.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
204+ Atk Mudsdale High Horsepower vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Nihilego: 604-712 (326.4 - 384.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
204+ Atk Mudsdale High Horsepower vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Tapu Koko: 192-228 (131.5 - 156.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
204+ Atk Mudsdale High Horsepower vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Raichu-Alola: 288-342 (213.3 - 253.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
204+ Atk Mudsdale High Horsepower vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Muk-Alola: 210-248 (99 - 116.9%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
204+ Atk Mudsdale High Horsepower vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Gengar: 254-300 (188.1 - 222.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
204+ Atk Mudsdale High Horsepower vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Gigalith: 134-162 (69.7 - 84.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO


Heavy Slam

204+ Atk Mudsdale Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Tapu Lele: 178-210 (100.5 - 118.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
204+ Atk Mudsdale Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Tapu Bulu: 124-148 (70 - 83.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
204+ Atk Mudsdale Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Mimikyu: 170-200 (104.9 - 123.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
204+ Atk Mudsdale Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Clefairy: 104-124 (58.7 - 70%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
204+ Atk Mudsdale Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Nihilego: 254-300 (137.2 - 162.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
204+ Atk Mudsdale Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Ninetales-Alola: 360-424 (241.6 - 284.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
204+ Atk Mudsdale Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Aerodactyl: 200-236 (128.2 - 151.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO


Rock Slide

-1 204+ Atk Mudsdale Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Arcanine: 54-64 (27.4 - 32.4%) -- 52.8% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
-1 204+ Atk Mudsdale Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Gyarados: 54-64 (31.7 - 37.6%) -- 86.8% chance to 3HKO
204+ Atk Mudsdale Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Pelipper: 68-80 (40.7 - 47.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
204+ Atk Mudsdale Rock Slide vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Aerodactyl: 92-110 (58.9 - 70.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Close Combat

204+ Atk Mudsdale Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Snorlax: 200-236 (74.9 - 88.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
204+ Atk Mudsdale Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 156 Def Eviolite Porygon2: 88-104 (45.8 - 54.1%) -- 45.3% chance to 2HKO
204+ Atk Mudsdale Close Combat vs. 28 HP / 0 Def Krookodile: 170-202 (97.7 - 116%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO
204+ Atk Mudsdale Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Celesteela: 69-82 (33.8 - 40.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
204+ Atk Mudsdale Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Fur Coat Persian-Alola: 107-126 (62.2 - 73.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

[/spoiler]

Defensive Calcs
[spoiler]

Physical Defense

252+ Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 156 HP / 12 Def Mudsdale: 144-170 (73.8 - 87.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Thick Club Marowak-Alola Flare Blitz vs. 156 HP / 12 Def Mudsdale: 160-190 (82 - 97.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 156 HP / 12 Def Mudsdale: 63-75 (32.3 - 38.4%) -- 97.3% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Garchomp Tectonic Rage (180 BP) vs. 156 HP / 12 Def Mudsdale: 153-180 (78.4 - 92.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Metagross Meteor Mash vs. 156 HP / 12 Def Mudsdale: 85-102 (43.5 - 52.3%) -- 12.9% chance to 2HKO
252 Atk Weavile Icicle Crash vs. 156 HP / 12 Def Mudsdale: 134-162 (68.7 - 83%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (40 BP) vs. 156 HP / 12 Def Mudsdale: 33-39 (16.9 - 20%) -- possible 5HKO


Physical Defense with +1 Stamina

252+ Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. +1 156 HP / 12 Def Mudsdale: 98-116 (50.2 - 59.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Thick Club Marowak-Alola Flare Blitz vs. +1 156 HP / 12 Def Mudsdale: 108-127 (55.3 - 65.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. +1 156 HP / 12 Def Mudsdale: 42-51 (21.5 - 26.1%) -- 2% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Garchomp Tectonic Rage (180 BP) vs. +1 156 HP / 12 Def Mudsdale: 102-120 (52.3 - 61.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Metagross Meteor Mash vs. +1 156 HP / 12 Def Mudsdale: 58-69 (29.7 - 35.3%) -- 16.2% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Weavile Icicle Crash vs. +1 156 HP / 12 Def Mudsdale: 92-110 (47.1 - 56.4%) -- 77.7% chance to 2HKO
252+ Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (40 BP) vs. +1 156 HP / 12 Def Mudsdale: 22-27 (11.2 - 13.8%) -- possible 8HKO


Special Defense (with Assault Vest)

252+ SpA Tapu Lele Psychic vs. 156 HP / 132 SpD Assault Vest Mudsdale in Psychic Terrain: 84-100 (43 - 51.2%) -- 6.3% chance to 2HKO
252+ SpA Tapu Lele Shattered Psyche (175 BP) vs. 156 HP / 132 SpD Assault Vest Mudsdale in Psychic Terrain: 163-193 (83.5 - 98.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Ninetales-Alola Blizzard vs. 156 HP / 132 SpD Assault Vest Mudsdale: 68-84 (34.8 - 43%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after hail damage
252 SpA Pelipper Scald vs. 156 HP / 132 SpD Assault Vest Mudsdale in Rain: 114-134 (58.4 - 68.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Raichu-Alola Shattered Psyche (175 BP) vs. 156 HP / 132 SpD Assault Vest Mudsdale: 79-94 (40.5 - 48.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Tapu Koko Dazzling Gleam vs. 156 HP / 132 SpD Assault Vest Mudsdale: 35-43 (17.9 - 22%) -- possible 5HKO
252+ SpA Torkoal Eruption (150 BP) vs. 156 HP / 132 SpD Assault Vest Mudsdale in Sun: 79-94 (40.5 - 48.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
[/spoiler]

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Choice Band

 

Mudsdale @ Choice Band
Ability: Stamina
Level: 50
EVs: 196 HP / 204 Atk / 108 SpD
Adamant Nature
- High Horsepower / Earthquake
- Heavy Slam
- Rock Slide
- Close Combat

Milestones:
-OHKO 252 HP / 4 Def Arcanine after Intimidate
-2HKOs Porygon2 with Close Combat
-Takes a Life Orb Psychic Terrain boosted Psychic from Tapu Lele
-OHKOs up to 252 HP / 68 Def Tapu Bulu with Heavy Slam

Now its time to give Mudsdale some more horsepower by slapping a Choice Band unto its base 125 Attack. Unlike the above Mudsdale set who is ready to go in on the long haul, this Mudsdale is built to take on the foe with its strong coverage moves. STAB High Horsepower with the Choice Band is capable of 2HKOing most of the format and even OHKO some rather bulky Pokemon like Metagross, Gigalith, and defensive Arcanine. For those who want spread damage, STAB Earthquake can be used to deal good amount of damage for Mudsdale, though Grassy Terrain can reduce the output. Heavy Slam is now strong enough to OHKO Tapu Bulu, though Mudsdale should have some form of speed control like Trick Room to able to threaten it. For any Normal-type Pokemon, Close Combat is strong enough to OHKO Drampa, Snorlax, and severely dent Porygon2.

In terms of how to use this Choice Band set, try to position Mudsdale against teams who don't have natural responds or can't immediately OHKO this horse. With its slow speed stat, Mudsdale can take advantage of Trick Room to outspeed any faster targets, or even serve as a counter response to Trick Room itself with moves like Close Combat and Heavy Slam to OHKO Porygon2 or Mimikyu.

Offensive Calcs:
[spoiler]

CB High Horsepower

-1 204+ Atk Choice Band Mudsdale High Horsepower vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Arcanine: 204-240 (103.5 - 121.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
204+ Atk Choice Band Mudsdale High Horsepower vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Gigalith: 204-240 (106.2 - 125%) -- guaranteed OHKO
204+ Atk Choice Band Mudsdale High Horsepower vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Metagross: 204-240 (109 - 128.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
204+ Atk Choice Band Mudsdale High Horsepower vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Torkoal: 188-224 (106.2 - 126.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
204+ Atk Choice Band Mudsdale High Horsepower vs. 252 HP / 164 Def Oranguru: 126-148 (63.9 - 75.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
204+ Atk Choice Band Mudsdale High Horsepower vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Garchomp: 132-156 (72.1 - 85.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
204+ Atk Choice Band Mudsdale High Horsepower vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Milotic: 105-124 (51.9 - 61.3%) -- 97.7% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
204+ Atk Choice Band Mudsdale High Horsepower vs. 244 HP / 108+ Def Gastrodon: 135-160 (62.2 - 73.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
204+ Atk Choice Band Mudsdale High Horsepower vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Marowak-Alola: 230-272 (137.7 - 162.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO

CB Heavy Slam

204+ Atk Choice Band Mudsdale Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Tapu Bulu: 188-222 (106.2 - 125.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
204+ Atk Choice Band Mudsdale Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Clefairy: 156-184 (88.1 - 103.9%) -- 25% chance to OHKO
-1 204+ Atk Choice Band Mudsdale Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Salamence: 85-100 (49.7 - 58.4%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO

CB Rock Slide

-1 204+ Atk Choice Band Mudsdale Rock Slide vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Salamence: 78-94 (45.6 - 54.9%) -- 55.9% chance to 2HKO
-1 204+ Atk Choice Band Mudsdale Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Arcanine: 78-94 (39.5 - 47.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
-1 204+ Atk Choice Band Mudsdale Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Gyarados: 80-96 (47 - 56.4%) -- 84% chance to 2HKO

CB Close Combat

204+ Atk Choice Band Mudsdale Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Snorlax: 300-354 (112.3 - 132.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
204+ Atk Choice Band Mudsdale Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 156 Def Eviolite Porygon2: 132-156 (68.7 - 81.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
-1 204+ Atk Choice Band Mudsdale Close Combat vs. 28 HP / 0 Def Krookodile: 170-200 (97.7 - 114.9%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO
204+ Atk Choice Band Mudsdale Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Drampa: 240-284 (129.7 - 153.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO


[/spoiler]


Defensive Calcs

[spoiler]

252+ SpA Life Orb Tapu Lele Psychic vs. 196 HP / 108 SpD Mudsdale in Psychic Terrain: 168-199 (84 - 99.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 196 HP / 0 Def Mudsdale: 146-174 (73 - 87%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
156+ SpA Milotic Scald vs. 196 HP / 108 SpD Mudsdale: 116-140 (58 - 70%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Ninetales-Alola Blizzard vs. 196 HP / 108 SpD Mudsdale: 104-126 (52 - 63%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after hail damage

[/spoiler]

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Potential Teammates include, but aren't limited to:

• Fire Types  - Covers Mudsdale's weaknesses to Ice- and Grass-types. ( Ex. Arcanine, Torkoal, Incineroar, Alolan Marowak, etc )
• Electric Types - Covers against potential Water-types ( Tapu Koko, Alolan Raichu, Magnezone, etc )
• Grass Types - Can severally threaten opposing Water-types who Musdale dislikes facing ( Tapu Bulu )
• Intimidate Support - Helps with Mudsdale's Defensive bulk (Ex. Salamence, Arcanine, Krookodile, etc )

Threats include, but aren't limited to:

• Water-types - Aranaquid, Gyarados, Milotic, Gastrodon, etc
• Ice-types - Alolan Ninetales, Sandslash, Vanilluxe, etc
• Grass-types - Tapu Bulu, Dhelmise, Whimiscott, Trevenant, etc
• Intimidate - Arcanine, Gyarados, Salamence, etc
• Powerful Special hits in general

Other Notable Options

• Life Orb set to utilize its full movepool with extra damage output, though at the cost of HP.
• A funny and wacky Specially Defensive Mudsdale is fun to run with Rest and Sleep Talk.
• Terrain Seeds to give Mudsdale either a +1 Defensive or Special Defensive boost in a respective terrain boost.

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Alright so for those who read the analysis, is there any critique you want to say about Mudsdale or how the format of these analysis are. Any responses are appreciated about these Pokemon analysis so we can get an better threads for the future. Anyways thanks for reading.

(EDIT: Yes I did delete the thread prior to make any corrections since I notice other errors as well.)