Slaking: Return or HyperBeam

[Onixus]

Since slaking moves every 2 turns, Hyper beam seems just suitable for that. But I do see some ppl with Return on Slaking.

Is the higher accuracy and higher PP the reasons why some ppl use Return? or are there other considerations?

[andyizcool]

Is the higher accuracy and higher PP the reasons why some ppl use Return? or are there other considerations?

Return is used because it'll never miss compared to Hyper Beam unless some Accuracy mods come into play for a start. Return also gives you a chance to switch Slaking out on his Truant turn avoiding damage. However you need to remember when you switch it in again it'll still be its Truant turn but you could plan a good time for when to bring it back in. The point of Slaking is to switch in and deal heavy damage then switch out until you get a good chance to switch in again. Just have a Rapid Spinner because all that switching with Spikes on the field would make you take quite a bit of damage over time.

[Crufidal]

I've been debating this myself. Hyper Beam is a bit more powerful; it's simply amazing how much damage it can do in the hands of a strong Slaking. Return's the same.

I usually rely on accuracy and would prefer Return, but I've found I like Hyper Beam more so far.

It's true that Return is usually a better option. You only do a little less damage, and you can run if you're against something that will eat you.

Also, if you take away Truant in a 2v2 Battle (probably not applicable), then you'll be able to Return every turn

Up to you. Missing 10% of the time really bugs me sometime xP

[Ultimate Charizard]

I dunno about Slakings worth at all.
My Pellipper took it down by Protecting during its attacks and Hitting it back on the Truant turn. Its too easy to be negated if you come up against a protector.
Never really used one though id probably agree with Return. You only get one attack every two turns, make sure its gonna hit.
Id rather hit 1 in 2 rather than 1 in 4.

[GirlRepellant]

This is the only pokemon I really see Hyper Beam working on. It's become Slaking's signature move. Personally, I'll take the extra 70+ base power (after STAB) for 10% accuracy.

[andyizcool]

This is the only pokemon I really see Hyper Beam working on. It's become Slaking's signature move. Personally, I'll take the extra 70+ base power (after STAB) for 10% accuracy.

Return beats everything anyway unless you come across a Steel or Ghost Pokemon but that's why Brick Break/Focus Punch and Shadow Ball are also on Slaking.

[rinku]

Hyper Beam can work OK as a secondary move. Most common time to use it would be when you're facing a slower opponent that is *going* to ko you *this* turn and you have nothing on the bench that can realistically come in against it and your normal moves just aren't going to do the job. You may as well cause as much damage (and maybe take it out) before you go.

Also, sometimes it's just more important to cause more damage in one hit *now*, especially against healers and sappers. Naturally, if you cause similar damage with STAB attacks, don't bother with HB, but any advice about HB applies to such things as Blast Burn, which because they *can* be supereffective, are a touch more useful. I've never regretted putting Frenzy Plant on my Venusaur, for example, since her special attack options are so limited.