In the world of Pokemon, speed is an important stat that can make or break a Pokemon’s viability in battle. While powerhouses like Electrode and Ninjask boast impressive speed, some Pokemon are stuck being the slowpokes of the Pokedex. But which Pokemon is objectively the slowest? Let’s take a look at the stats and find out!
Examining the Base Stats
Every Pokemon has base stats for HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. These stats determine how strong a Pokemon is in battle. Speed is especially crucial, as it decides which Pokemon attacks first each turn. To find the slowest Pokemon, we’ll have to see which one has the lowest base Speed stat.
Shuckle has a measly base Speed stat of just 5. Most 1st stage unevolved Pokemon are faster than that! Coming in at a close second is Munchlax with a base Speed of 30. After that, Pyukumuku and Ferrothorn tie for third slowest with base Speeds of 20. Here’s a table summarizing the contenders so far:
| Pokemon | Base Speed Stat |
|---|---|
| Shuckle | 5 |
| Munchlax | 30 |
| Pyukumuku | 20 |
| Ferrothorn | 20 |
So judging solely by the base stats, Shuckle appears to be the slowest Pokemon. But wait, there’s more to consider before we make a final call!
Factoring in Abilities
A Pokemon’s ability can also influence its speed in battle. For example, Speed Boost raises a Pokemon’s Speed stat every turn, while Stall halvers the target’s Speed stat. Some abilities like Quick Feet or Chlorophyll double the Pokemon’s Speed under certain conditions. We have to take abilities into account when determining the absolute slowest Pokemon.
Starting with Shuckle, its two possible abilities Sturdy and Gluttony have no effect on Speed. So our slowpoke molusk remains in the lead.
Munchlax has Pickup or Thick Fat as abilities, neither impacting Speed. Pyukumuku’s Innards Out and Unaware abilities also don’t alter Speed.
However, Ferrothorn’s second ability Iron Barbs does not affect Speed, but its hidden ability Anticipation could allow it to switch out against a faster threatening opponent before getting hit. This makes Ferrothorn slightly less slow overall compared to the other contenders.
It seems abilities do not dethrone Shuckle as the slowest of the slow!
Other Factors that Reduce Speed
There are other factors besides base stats and abilities that can reduce a Pokemon’s Speed. We have to explore these factors to make a definitive judgement call on the slowest Pokemon.
Paralysis
The paralyzed condition cuts a Pokemon’s Speed to 50% of its normal Speed. This can turn even fast Pokemon into slowpokes. However, since it requires an external factor (becoming paralyzed) it does not change the inherent Speed characteristics of a Pokemon.
Weather Effects
Certain weather conditions can reduce Speed for specific types of Pokemon:
– Sunny Day harsh sunlight halves the Speed of Water, Ice, and Bug types.
– Rain Dance heavy rain halves the Speed of Fire types.
– Sandstorm cuts the Speed of Rock types by 50%.
However, weather effects are temporary and situational, not affecting the base Speed stat.
Intimidate
The Intimidate ability lowers the opponent’s Attack stat upon switching in. However, it has no effect on Speed.
Icy Wind
The move Icy Wind decreases the target’s Speed by one stage. But being hit by a single move does not make a Pokemon inherently slow.
Sticky Web
Sticky Web is a move that lowers the Speed of opponents switching into battle by one stage. Like Icy Wind, its Speed reduction is temporary and external.
Minimum Speed
Trainers will sometimes specially train a Pokemon to have minimum Speed IVs and EVs. But this is a strategic choice, not indicative of true slowness.
After examining additional factors, Shuckle still seems to take home the trophy for slowest Pokemon. Now let’s confirm this by comparing actual Speed stats in battle.
Comparing Calculated Speed Stats
Since base stats, abilities, and other Speed modifiers determine the actual Speed stat in battle, let’s crunch some numbers and see how the slowpoke candidates compare at Lv. 50:
| Pokemon | Base Speed | Nature | EVs | IVs | Speed Stat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shuckle | 5 | Sassy (-Speed) | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Munchlax | 30 | Brave (-Speed) | 0 | 0 | 30 |
| Pyukumuku | 20 | Sassy (-Speed) | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Ferrothorn | 20 | Sassy (-Speed) | 0 | 0 | 20 |
Under minimum Speed investment, Shuckle is the slowest with an abysmal Speed stat of 5. The next closest is Munchlax at 30 Speed.
We can confirm that Shuckle objectively has the lowest Speed stat out of all 905 Pokemon discovered so far.
Uses for Shuckle’s Extreme Slowness
You might be wondering – why would any Pokemon want to be so slow? What good could possibly come of having just 5 Speed?
Well, Shuckle makes the most of its glacial Speed by utilizing it for defensive strategies:
Ensure Getting Attacked Last
With a Speed stat of just 5, Shuckle is guaranteed to move after virtually every other Pokemon. This enables it to use Rest to fully heal itself without fail. Shuckle can also safely set up entry hazards like Stealth Rock knowing it will get to move last.
Power Up Gyro Ball
Gyro Ball is a move that inflicts more damage the slower the user is compared to the target. Thanks to its super-slow Speed, Shuckle’s Gyro Ball hits with the maximum base power of 150.
Activate Custap Berry
Custap Berry lets the holder move first if its HP falls below 25%. Shuckle can safely trigger its Custap Berry before the opponent attacks since it’s so slow. This guarantees it gets off a parting shot.
So while most Pokemon aim to be fast, Shuckle leverages its slowness as a strategic advantage. It may seem counterintuitive, but being the slowest Pokemon has its perks!
Conclusion
After a thorough analysis of base stats, abilities, and calculated Speed stats, Shuckle emerges victorious as the slowest Pokemon. With a Speed stat of just 5, it leaves all other Pokemon in the dust when it comes to slowness!
Shuckle’s famously low Speed allows it to employ defensive techniques and power up moves like Gyro Ball. So being the slowest member of the Pokedex is not without its advantages. Slow and steady definitely wins the race for Shuckle!