#287 - #289: Slakoth, Vigoroth & Slaking

So, we have a lazy sloth evolving into an agressive sloth evolving into yet another lazy sloth. Let's see what kind of explanation Game Freak give for that.

Slakoth basically sleeps 24/7.

Slakoth is the basic stage of this evolutionary line, and for a sloth it's kinda cute in its own way. As you'd expect from a two-toed sloth Pokémon, Slakoth lazes around and sleeps for the majority of the day, needing only three leaves to eat daily because it moves so little. It even has the Truant ability, which lets it skip every other turn in battles and even displays the message, "[insert name] is loafing around!" I've seen people on the Internet giving their Slakoth/Slaking the nickname 'Bread' (bread, loaf, get it?), so there are quite a few puns to be played here. The greater the surprise was when people saw their Slakoth evolve into the agressive Vigoroth, taking on a more 'come at me bro' appearance and swapping the Truant ability for Vital Spirit, which prevents it from falling asleep in battles. Whereas Slakoth's heart beats only once per minute (!), Vigoroth's beats at a tenfold tempo. This Pokémon just cannot sit still at all, not even for a few seconds, and it is only comfortable going berserk, destroying everything in its path by spinning both arms and going even more berserk when it is done demolishing everything around it. I reckon the poor thing even suffers from insomnia, as the blood in its veins grows agitated when it tries to sleep, increasing its stress level and compelling it to go on a rampage once more.

Vigoroth looking energetic and determined.

So the greater the confusion was when Vigoroth converted back into a lazy sloth again. Well, Slaking looks more like an ape than a sloth - specifically a gorilla, although it could be based on a humongous extinct species of sloth called megatherium, or the giant ground sloth - but the sloth features are still clearly present in its design and at least it has gone back to being lazy rather than restless. When it's lounging, it is actually saving up energy to strike back with horrifying power, but Slaking is generally considered the laziest Pokémon in existence. Game Freak, you care to give us any explanation as to why an agressive and chronically restless Pokémon like Vigoroth evolves into a lazy-ass Pokémon again? No? Okay, cool, didn't think you would.

Slaking as encountered in the Petalburg Gym in Omega Ruby
and Alpha Sapphire. Two specimen are used by Gym Leader
Norman, the player character's Dad. 

Aside from the lack of explanation, it's actually a good thing Slaking is the laziest Pokémon in existence. Its base stat total exceeds that of pseudo-legendary Pokémon and matches that of actual legendary Pokémon like Groudon and Kyogre, making it one of the most powerful Pokémon in the entire franchise. This power is being restricted by Slaking's returning Truant ability, which limits it to attacking only once per two turns, but its base 160 attack allows it to make maximum use of Giga Impact, the physical counterpart of Hyper Beam that normally requires a turn for the Pokémon to recharge after using it. Giga Impact has a base power of 150, but because of the recharge turn it's not that good of a move on Pokémon that don't have Truant. On top of Slaking's power, though, it possesses some considerable bulk, having a hefty base 150 HP and excellent base 100 defense. Its base 65 special defense renders Slaking a little frail on the special side of the spectrum, but at least its base 100 speed allows it to move first a lot of the time, especially when you give it a Choice Scarf to hold. Alternatively, a Life Orb boosts all of Slaking's attacking moves (and to be honest, Slaking has a wide physical movepool; it has access to great moves like Earthquake, Hammer Arm, Rock Slide, Gunk Shot, Play Rough and the elemental punches, among others). The only downside is that this item wears it down quickly, while a Silk Scarf only boosts normal-type moves but at least keeps it healthy. Definitely keeping Slaking healthy is the recovery move Slack Off, which heals it for half of its HP, but this can be negated because there is a high chance that Slaking is attacked while loafing around in the turn after using Slack Off.

Slaking fighting Tyrantrum. I like the nod to King Kong here. 

It's a risk to use Slaking, as there are many other good normal-type Pokémon that aren't hindered by Truant, but when used well it can be a great powerhouse. All in all, Slaking has an interesting design and concept behind it, but it is immensely hindered by its terrible ability. As Slaking isn't a special Pokémon by any means - it is easily obtainable by catching Slakoth in Petalburg Woods - and its stats reach almost legendary levels, this is more or less a necessity. However, it brings down my final rating to 4 stars, even though that ain't bad at all, either.

P.S.: Maybe it's me, but is Slaking picking its nose in its Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold and SoulSilver sprites? That is so gross, Game Freak...

Rating: 4/5