Nihilego @ Black Sludge
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Power Gem
- Sludge Wave
- Knock Off
Nihilego has shot up like a rocket to become one of UU's most prominent Stealth Rock setters in recent times; its amazing special bulk helps it check the likes of Galarian Moltres, Salamence, and Rotom-H, giving it plenty of opportunities to set up the entry hazard. The latter two also happen to be two of the tier's most common Defoggers, and Nihilego's strong matchup against them makes it very capable of keeping Stealth Rock on the field for a long time. Its STAB attacks target common Pokemon like Thundurus, Moltres, and Primarina, while Knock Off cripples Pokemon that would otherwise switch into Nihilego with ease like Chansey, Aegislash, and Assault Vest Galarian Slowbro. Mew is an incredible partner for Nihilego, as the two form a highly potent hazard stacking core that effectively supports cleaners like Lycanroc-D and Scizor, and it also checks the likes of Rhyperior and Nidoqueen for Nihilego. Zarude is another amazing partner thanks to its great synergy with Nihilego defensively, checking the likes of Krookodile, Aegislash, and Rhyperior and appreciating Nihilego's ability to handle Salamence, Buzzwole, and Moltres in return.
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