Gligar, a dual Ground/Flying-type Pokémon, has been a beloved character since its introduction in the Generation II games (Pokémon Gold and Silver). With its unique design, fascinating typing, and potential for competitive battling, Gligar has remained a popular Pokémon among both casual players and serious competitors. This Gligar review will cover all aspects of this Pokémon, from its stats and abilities to its competitive viability and evolutions. Whether you’re considering adding Gligar to your team or simply want to learn more about it, this comprehensive guide will answer all your questions.
What is Gligar?
Gligar is a Ground/Flying-type Pokémon, resembling a bat with scorpion-like features. It is known for its playful and mischievous nature. With its purple body, sharp claws, and iconic grin, Gligar stands out as one of the more visually striking Pokémon from the Johto region.
One of Gligar’s most notable traits is its dual typing. While its Ground-type gives it resistance to Electric-type attacks, its Flying-type negates Ground-type weaknesses. This combination makes Gligar an interesting and versatile option for both in-game and competitive battling.
Gligar’s Pokedex number is 207, and it evolves into Gliscor when exposed to a Razor Fang during the night, unlocking a stronger and more durable version of itself.
Gligar’s Stats and Abilities
Understanding Gligar’s stats and abilities is crucial if you’re considering using it in battle. Here’s a breakdown of Gligar’s base stats:
HP: 65
Attack: 75
Defense: 105
Special Attack: 35
Special Defense: 65
Speed: 85
Abilities: Gligar has two possible standard abilities and one hidden ability:
Hyper Cutter: This ability prevents Gligar’s Attack stat from being lowered by opposing moves or abilities.
Sand Veil: When the weather is Sandstorm, Sand Veil raises Gligar’s evasion by 20%, making it harder to hit.
Immunity (Hidden Ability): Gligar cannot be poisoned, which is a valuable trait for competitive battles, especially against Toxic-stalling strategies.
Gligar’s stat distribution makes it a defensive powerhouse, especially on the physical side. Its high Defense stat, combined with access to moves like Roost (to heal itself) and Earthquake (a powerful Ground-type attack), makes it a very durable Pokémon in battle.
Gligar’s Movepool: Best Moves to Use
Gligar’s movepool is diverse, offering options for both offensive and defensive strategies. Its best moves typically focus on taking advantage of its physical defense and Ground/Flying typing.
Offensive Moves:
Earthquake: Gligar’s staple move, Earthquake is a 100-power Ground-type attack that deals massive damage to many types of Pokémon.
Aerial Ace: This Flying-type move is a good option to complement Gligar’s Ground-type attacks. It never misses, ensuring that you always land a hit.
U-turn: U-turn allows Gligar to deal damage and immediately switch out, which is particularly useful for maintaining momentum in competitive battles.
Knock Off: This move removes the opposing Pokémon’s held item, which can be crucial in disrupting your opponent’s strategy.
Defensive and Utility Moves:
Roost: Roost allows Gligar to recover 50% of its HP, which is essential for keeping it healthy during longer battles.
Toxic: This status move inflicts the opponent with poison, causing increasing damage each turn. It’s an effective tool in stalling strategies.
Stealth Rock: Gligar can set up Stealth Rock, a key entry hazard that damages opponents as they switch in.
Defog: Defog clears away hazards like Stealth Rock and Spikes from your side of the field, making Gligar a valuable team support Pokémon.
Gligar’s Typing: Strengths and Weaknesses
Gligar’s Ground/Flying typing comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these is crucial for making the most of this Pokémon.
Strengths:
Immune to Electric-type attacks: Gligar’s Ground-typing makes it immune to Electric-type moves, which is a great advantage in battle.
Resistant to Fighting, Bug, Poison, and Ground moves: Gligar’s Flying and Ground combination provides a variety of resistances that make it a sturdy defender against physical attackers.
Weaknesses:
Ice-type Weakness (4x): Gligar’s biggest weakness is Ice-type attacks, which deal quadruple damage. This can make Gligar vulnerable if the opponent has a strong Ice-type move.
Water-type Weakness: Gligar’s Ground typing makes it weak to Water-type attacks, which are also fairly common.
Weak to Rock-type attacks: Rock-type moves can exploit Gligar’s Flying-type, dealing extra damage.
Evolution: Gliscor and How to Evolve Gligar
Gligar evolves into Gliscor, a stronger and more competitively viable version of itself. To evolve Gligar into Gliscor, you need a Razor Fang and must level up Gligar at night while holding the item.
Gliscor’s Stats:
HP: 75
Attack: 95
Defense: 125
Special Attack: 45
Special Defense: 75
Speed: 95
Gliscor improves upon Gligar’s already impressive stats, particularly in Defense and Speed. Additionally, Gliscor’s ability to use the move Poison Heal (healing itself when poisoned) makes it an incredibly durable Pokémon in competitive play.
Competitive Viability: Is Gligar Worth Using?
In competitive Pokémon, Gligar is most commonly seen in lower-tier formats like PU (Pikachu Underused) and NU (Neverused) due to its strong defensive stats and utility options. However, its evolved form, Gliscor, is often more preferred in higher-tier play, such as UU (Underused) and OU (Overused).
Gligar’s Advantages in Battle:
Physical Wall: Gligar’s high Defense makes it a perfect counter to physical attackers, particularly those without access to Ice or Water-type moves.
Reliable Recovery: Roost gives Gligar longevity in battle, allowing it to heal off damage and continue stalling or supporting the team.
Support Movepool: With access to moves like Stealth Rock and Defog, Gligar can be a valuable team member, providing hazard control and team support.
Gligar’s Drawbacks in Battle:
Limited Special Defense: While Gligar excels in physical defense, its Special Defense stat is relatively low, making it vulnerable to special attackers.
Quadruple Ice Weakness: The prevalence of Ice-type moves like Ice Beam and Ice Punch can make Gligar an easy target for Pokémon with access to these moves.
How to Counter Gligar
If you’re facing a Gligar in battle, it’s important to exploit its weaknesses to Ice- and Water-type moves. Pokémon like Lapras, Mamoswine, and Starmie are excellent choices for dealing with Gligar. Additionally, special attackers with strong offensive stats can overwhelm Gligar’s weaker Special Defense, so Pokémon like Jolteon or Alakazam can also be effective counters.
Final Thought: Is Gligar Worth It?
Gligar is an interesting Pokémon for those who enjoy defensive strategies and team support roles. While it may not have the sheer offensive power of some other Pokémon, its high Defense, ability to recover health with Roost, and access to key utility moves make it a strong choice for certain battle formats. Additionally, its evolution into Gliscor offers even more potential for those looking to elevate their team with a tough and versatile Pokémon.
Ultimately, Gligar shines best as a physical wall or support Pokémon in lower-tier formats, while Gliscor, its evolution, is better suited for higher-tier competitive play.
FAQs
How does Gligar evolve into Gliscor?
Gligar evolves into Gliscor when it is leveled up at night while holding a Razor Fang. You can find the Razor Fang in various Pokémon games, either as a held item from wild Pokémon or through exploration. Ensure that it’s nighttime in the game, and Gligar will evolve into Gliscor after gaining enough experience.
What is Gligar’s best ability?
Gligar’s hidden ability, Immunity, is considered its best option for competitive battles. Immunity prevents Gligar from being poisoned, making it immune to Toxic-stalling strategies, which is particularly useful in longer matches. However, for certain weather-based teams, Sand Veil can also be valuable, as it increases Gligar’s evasion in a Sandstorm.
How do I counter Gligar in competitive battles?
The most effective way to counter Gligar is to target its 4x weakness to Ice-type moves. Pokémon with access to Ice Beam, Ice Punch, or other strong Ice-type moves can quickly deal with Gligar. Water-type moves are also effective due to Gligar’s Ground-type vulnerability. Fast special attackers are also recommended, as Gligar’s Special Defense is not as high as its physical Defense.
Is Gligar better than Gliscor?
Gligar is often considered a strong Pokémon in lower-tier formats, but Gliscor, its evolution, is generally superior due to its improved stats and access to the ability Poison Heal. Poison Heal allows Gliscor to recover HP while poisoned, giving it immense durability in battle. For competitive
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