Why is Slaking so strong?

Slaking is considered one of the strongest non-legendary Pokemon due to its massive base stat total of 670, which matches or exceeds many legendary Pokemon. This impressive stat spread, combined with solid normal type STAB moves, gives Slaking the raw power to devastate opponents in just a few hits. However, Slaking is held back by its infamous Truant ability which restricts it to only attacking every other turn. This prevents Slaking from fully realizing its potential in competitive play. But with clever team support and preparation, a well-utilized Slaking can still overcome its counters and unleash its terrifying strength on the unprepared.

Slaking‘s Impressive Base Stats

Hey friend, as an investment analyst I‘m always studying the numbers and stats behind strong market performers. And when it comes to Pokemon, Slaking has one of the most impressive statistical profiles out there!

With a base stat total of 670, Slaking sits comfortably amongst the elite Pokemon including legendaries. Here‘s a comparison of Slaking‘s stats vs the powerful legendary Groudon:

As you can see, Slaking matches the mighty Groudon in base stat total, while exceeding it in HP and Attack. This raw power is the foundation for why properly supported Slaking can ravage opponents.

Dominating Attack and HP Stats

Digging deeper into the numbers, Slaking‘s phenomenal 150 HP allows it to take hits while dishing punishment back. And its monstrous 160 base Attack – tied for 3rd highest in the game – lets Slaking deliver devastating blows.

To put into perspective how these stats outclass other Pokemon, here‘s a comparison of base Attack across some popular meta Pokemon:

• Arceus – 120 Attack
• Rayquaza – 150 Attack
• Slaking – 160 Attack
• Mewtwo – 110 Attack
• Lucario – 110 Attack
• Gyarados – 125 Attack

With attack power exceeding both the creator Arceus and the mighty Rayquaza, Slaking has the firepower to blast apart foes with its normal type STAB moves.

Truant “Nerfs” Slaking‘s Dominance

Of course, Slaking isn‘t invincible. Its ability Truant restricts it to only attacking every other turn, which your experienced eye likely noticed as being a huge limiter.

While Slaking is loafing around, opponents are free to switch out, set up their own boosts, or hammer away taking advantage of Slaking‘s vulnerability. Predictable attack patterns also make Slaking easy to counter after scouting just one turn.

This is why in competitive play, Slaking rarely gets a chance to sweep. Careful opponents rotate around safely knocking out chunks of HP from the immobilized Slaking.

Truant Also Balances Slaking‘s Power

However, Truant is also the only thing reigning in Slaking’s power from making it completely broken. Just look at the Generation 5 Pokemon Thundurus, who had stats almost as high as Slaking before later being nerfed:

Despite stats not far behind Slaking, Thundurus was deemed overpowered and later adjusted downwards. This shows how truly game-breaking Slaking would be without Truant holding it back.

Max CP and Performance in Pokemon GO

The impact of Slaking‘s mighty stats is also evident when looking at its performance in Pokemon GO.

At max level 40, Slaking‘s CP reaches a staggering 5010 – the 4th highest CP in the entire game! This puts it above all legendaries except the weather trio:

Despite these intimidating numbers, you likely know that CP alone doesn’t determine in-game viability. While Slaking has the stats to reach the pinnacle, its poor moveset combined with Truant leaves it as more of a gym defender novelty pick.

Restrictive Moveset in Pokemon GO

In GO, Slaking is further limited by only having Yawn as a fast move. This does pitiful damage, only generating energy for charge moves which Slaking then has to spend every other turn loafing around. Any remotely usable fast move would make Slaking overpowered.

While it’s a menacing gym defender on paper, proper counters like Machamp easily tear apart Slaking by exploiting Truant turns and its Fighting type weakness.

Viable Competitive Strategies

Hopefully you can see why Slaking’s biggest strengths are also the source of its limitations in battles. While difficult to utilize to its full potential, there are still some effective strategies to mitigate Slaking’s weaknesses:

• Utilize Slaking’s loafing turns to switch in defensive pivots or setup sweepers.
• Pursuit users like Tyranitar can trap and KO fighting counters as they flee Slaking.
• Carry coverage moves like Shadow Claw or Fire Punch to deter Fighting counters.
• Slack Off’s HP recovery compensates for the HP Slaking loses on its vulnerable turns.
• Retaliate doubles in power after an ally faints, reaching 140 base power after STAB.
• A Choice Band locks Slaking into one move but boosts its Attack by 50%.

While difficult to execute properly, the element of surprise paired with luring out and eliminating Slaking’s counters can enable it to bludgeon apart unprepared teams after some preparation.

Preparing the Team Around Slaking

As an analyst, I always examine how different assets complement each other in a portfolio. Similarly, tailoring the rest of your team to support Slaking is critical to bringing out its full power:

• entry hazard setters like Ferrothorn pressure opponents forced out by Slaking.
• Flying resists Fighting and can pivot around ground moves aimed at Slaking.
• Bulk Up users boost as Slaking baits in counters on its vulnerable turns.
• Healing Wish from Latios fully restores Slaking to continue sweeping.

With meticulous team building and preparation, you can demonstrate how mighty Slaking truly is. A well constructed lineup provides the support Slaking needs to devastate unprepared teams.

Conclusion

In summary friend, Slaking possesses the impressive stats and firepower to annihilate opponents before they can react – which is why Truant is the necessary drawback keeping it remotely balanced. While competitive viability requires perfect team support, a properly prepared Slaking can still unleash its monstrous strength in the right circumstances. This is why seasoned trainers never let their guard down against this mighty sloth! I hope this guide has given you some ideas on how to effectively utilize Slaking’s imposing stats, while compensating for its crippling ability. With the right strategy, you too can unleash the true power of this destructive beast!