Slaking is a commonly used monster in Pokémon GO. Nevertheless, this Pokémon is always a poor choice in battles. Our author Noah explains why he believes there are many better alternatives to Slaking and why you should use them.
The Steel Pokémon Slaking is probably one of the most used Pokémon in the game. Trainers typically don’t choose the monster themselves. The suggested Pokémon for battles often include at least one Slaking.
And although Slaking is suggested so often, you should never use this Pokémon.
Slaking is suggested by the game
Slaking is probably the most suggested Pokémon in the game. It almost doesn’t matter which Pokémon you want to battle – the game suggests Slaking.
Therefore, you should not follow the suggestions: The reason Slaking is suggested so often is simple. The defense value of the Steel Pokémon is enormously high. Pokémon GO calculates the suggestions based on which Pokémon can withstand the most against the respective opponent. Due to its high defense value, Slaking generally endures a lot.
Types of Slaking: Additionally, Slaking is of Steel and Rock type. These are two types against which many raid bosses, but also classic gym defenders like Snorlax, are not very effective. A Slaking thus endures primarily against these Pokémon. That’s why Pokémon GO keeps suggesting this monster.
Following the same principle, Pokémon like Steelix or Golem are also suggested. These are not always the right choice either. So don’t listen to the game’s suggestions, but assemble your own battle team. How to complete level 3 raids in Pokémon GO solo, we will show you here.
That’s why Slaking is useless
Defense is not the goal in battle: If you want to attack a gym, it is not the goal to withstand a lot. You want to deal as much damage as possible. Therefore, it is not advisable to choose a monster with a high defense value.
Other values are not particularly good: Even if Slaking’s defense value is very good, its other values unfortunately are not. Almost every final evolution has a higher attack value than Slaking. In raids or gym battles, the attack value is crucial. So before you send a Slaking into battle, you should be aware that it deals very little damage. This can decide victory and defeat in raids.
Better type attackers: If you now think that Slaking is at least a good Steel attacker, I must unfortunately disappoint you. With Metagross, there is a significantly better Pokémon of Steel type. Through the Community Day in October, you can obtain this Steel attacker.
Useless type: The problem with Steel Pokémon is not only that Slaking has better alternatives there. The Steel type is generally rarely useful. Steel is effective against Fairy, Rock, and Ice. Fairy Pokémon are scarce, so a counter is almost never needed there. Ice Pokémon can be defeated much better by Fire, Rock, and Fighting Pokémon. Rock type Pokémon have even more weaknesses. Hence, a Steel Pokémon cannot be effectively used at all.
Poor defender: If you now think that you can at least use Slaking as a really good gym defender, you are mistaken. Slaking is, apart from the Steel type, also Rock type. This gives Slaking a double weakness against Fighting and Ground Pokémon. This means that Steel type and Rock type are weak against Fighting and Ground. Due to the double weakness, Slaking can be quickly knocked out of gyms.
Strengths of Slaking are pointless
After all these negative facts about Slaking, it’s understandable that I advise against strengthening this Pokémon. Before you strengthen this Pokémon, you should focus on attackers with more potential.
Think twice before choosing your Pokémon: You have now read why Slaking is suggested. Think twice before you let this Pokémon battle. Just because the game suggests it, does not mean this Pokémon is good.
What you can use instead of Slaking against the new EX raid boss Deoxys can be found here.
