Why is Sludge Wave so popular in SheerOrb Nidoking?

Aug. 30, 2021

I mean, it has a pretty awful SpA with 85 - although it’s still acceptable. Why not poison Jab? I’m a dunce about competitive pls don’t laugh ;-;

Pleaselog inorregisterto add a comment.

Despite having weak special attack, Nidoking actually hits harder with Sludge Wave compared to Poison Jab.

252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Sludge Wave vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mew: 199-234 (58.3 - 68.6%) – guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Poison Jab vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mew: 187-222 (54.8 - 65.1%) – guaranteed 2HKO

Not only that, but it’s coverage is also more powerful.

252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mew: 125-148 (36.6 - 43.4%) – guaranteed 3HKO

252 Atk Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Fire Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mew: 117-139 (34.3 - 40.7%) – guaranteed 3HKO

Going Special also has the benefit of not being crippled by burns or triggering on-hit effects like Rocky Helmet. Physical Nidoking also doesn’t have Ground STAB boosted by Sheer Force.