Slaking is undoubtedly one of the most challenging and powerful Pokémon in *Pokémon Go*, known for its incredible CP and raw strength. But while this mighty creature can dominate in battles, it does have its weaknesses. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into how to counter Slaking effectively, exploring the best Pokémon, movesets, and strategies to take down this behemoth in both Raids and PvP.
Understanding Slaking’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Before we dive into the counters, it’s essential to understand what makes Slaking so tough. With its massive CP and intimidating stat distribution, Slaking is a formidable opponent. Its main feature, however, is the ability to deal significant damage with powerful moves like Hyper Beam and Body Slam. But the secret to defeating Slaking lies in its one glaring weakness: **Truant**.
**Truant** is a unique ability that limits Slaking’s actions every other turn. While Slaking can deal massive damage when it attacks, it essentially “takes a break” every second turn. This gives players a crucial window of opportunity to deal damage without retaliation. This vulnerability is the key to planning your counter-strategy effectively.
Best Pokémon to Counter Slaking
To make the most of Slaking’s downtime, you’ll need Pokémon with fast, powerful moves to take advantage of its brief moments of weakness. Here are some of the best counters for Slaking, focusing on high DPS (damage per second) and quick charging moves:
1. **Machamp (with Counter and Dynamic Punch)**
Machamp is a classic fighter Pokémon with high attack power, and its **Counter** fast move is especially effective against Slaking. With **Dynamic Punch**, Machamp can hit hard during Slaking’s downtime, while also charging its moves quickly enough to take full advantage of the turn-based gap.
2. **Lucario (with Counter and Aura Sphere)**
Lucario is another excellent counter, especially in raids. **Counter** and **Aura Sphere** make for a lethal combination. Lucario’s typing (Fighting and Steel) gives it the edge over Slaking, allowing it to endure damage while dealing back powerful blows during the Truant turn.
3. **Conkeldurr (with Counter and Dynamic Punch)**
Another top-tier Fighting-type, Conkeldurr boasts a powerful moveset with **Counter** and **Dynamic Punch**, perfect for exploiting Slaking’s vulnerability. Its high CP potential also allows it to compete against Slaking’s heavy hitting.
4. **Tyranitar (with Smack Down and Stone Edge)**
While Tyranitar’s not a Fighting-type, its **Smack Down** fast move and **Stone Edge** charged move can deal significant damage against Slaking, especially given the lack of direct counters for Normal-types like Slaking. Its Dark/Rock typing offers decent resistance, while its high CP helps it stay in the fight longer.
5. **Hariyama (with Counter and Dynamic Punch)**
Similar to other Fighting-types, **Hariyama** is an underrated choice, with **Counter** and **Dynamic Punch** making it a solid pick for taking on Slaking in both raids and PvP battles. Its bulkiness can also help it survive longer, taking more damage before it faints.
Strategy to Maximize Your Chances
When preparing for a Slaking encounter, timing and strategy are everything. Here are a few tips to ensure you come out victorious:
1. **Take Advantage of Truant**
The most critical part of the strategy is exploiting Slaking’s **Truant** ability. Since Slaking can only attack every other turn, you need to capitalize on that downtime. Use Pokémon with fast-charging moves to unleash as many charged attacks as possible during these intervals.
2. **Use Fighting-Type Pokémon**
Fighting-types are highly effective against Slaking, thanks to their strength in dealing damage to Normal-types. Stick to top-tier Fighting Pokémon with quick moves like **Counter**, which allows you to maximize your damage output during the Truant phase.
3. **Dodge When Necessary**
Although Slaking can be slow to react due to Truant, it can still land powerful attacks like **Hyper Beam**. Make sure to dodge these devastating moves when possible, as avoiding damage allows you to last longer in the battle.
4. **Team Composition and Synergy**
When facing Slaking in raids, consider your team’s synergy. Mix in a variety of Fighting-types with a few defensive Pokémon to absorb hits when needed. Strong attackers should focus on landing as many powerful hits as possible, while tankier Pokémon should handle any stray damage that slips through.
Conclusion: The Power of Strategy Over Strength
Defeating Slaking requires more than just brute force. By exploiting its Truant ability and using high-damage Fighting-type Pokémon, you can turn the tide in your favor. While Slaking may seem invincible at first glance, a solid strategy combined with the right counters can make all the difference. So, gather your best Fighting Pokémon, time your moves carefully, and you’ll soon see that even the mightiest opponents can be overcome.
