Kingler

Using Kingler in a Playthrough

The Krabby line develops into Kingler, a Water-type with extremely high physical Attack and Defense but much weaker special durability. This made Kingler unusually generation-dependent: before the Generation IV physical/special split, Water attacks used Special Attack and therefore could not exploit its greatest offensive strength, while later generations allow physical Water moves such as Crabhammer to make much better use of its Attack. Kingler can also use setup such as Swords Dance or Agility and physical coverage to turn favorable matchups into sweeps, but its Speed and Special Defense leave it vulnerable to faster special attackers. It therefore becomes considerably more effective as a story Pokemon in generations where physical Water STAB is readily available.

Kingler in Competitive Pokémon

Kingler's established competitive role is that of a physical wallbreaker or setup sweeper. Its very high Attack, strong physical Water STAB, and access to Swords Dance can produce substantial immediate damage, while Agility offers an alternative way to correct its middling Speed and attempt a sweep. Smogon analyses repeatedly emphasize that Kingler can force switches and threaten defensive Pokemon once positioned safely, but also note that fast special attackers can revenge kill it because its special durability is poor. Its competitive value improved substantially once physical Water attacks could actually use its enormous Attack stat.

Kingler in Nuzlockes

Kingler is highly generation-dependent in Nuzlockes. FireRed and LeafGreen community analysis rates it poorly because the pre-split mechanics force Water STAB to use its weak Special Attack, while its low Special Defense and only moderate Speed make it difficult to exploit its otherwise excellent physical stats safely. From Generation IV onward, physical Water STAB makes Kingler much more coherent: its Attack and Defense can both be used effectively, letting it hit hard while safely handling many physical opponents. Even then, it should be kept away from strong special Electric- and Grass-type attacks, which target the weakest part of its defensive profile.

Kingler's enlarged left pincer is extraordinarily powerful and is documented prying open the shells of prey such as Shellder and Cloyster. The claw's enormous size is also a liability: Kingler has difficulty lifting it continuously, it interferes with balance, and prolonged use quickly causes fatigue. Kingler commonly inhabits shorelines and ocean edges. Individuals also communicate with one another by waving their pincers.